Beyond Tidying: Finding Joy in the "Kurashi" Lifestyle

Hi everyone! As an organizer here in Tokyo, I’m always looking for ways to blend the KonMari Method™ with the beauty of everyday Japanese life. I recently finished reading Marie Kondo’s book, Kurashi at Home, and it left me feeling so inspired.

The preface alone captures the heart of her philosophy so beautifully. It reminds us that our "Kurashi" (lifestyle) is a continuous journey of choosing what sparks joy in our daily rituals. I found myself re-reading the opening pages just to soak in that essence.

1. The "Japandi" Aesthetic & My Pottery Journey

One thing that struck me immediately was the book’s visual style—it’s a beautiful mix of modern and traditional, often referred to as "Japandi." It’s minimal, warm, and very grounding.

The photos of simple, elegant vases actually reignited my passion for pottery. I’ve enjoyed pottery since I graduated from university, and seeing the curated interiors in the book made me want to get back to the wheel! I’m planning to craft a new vase specifically designed to bring a touch of "modern Japan" into my own home.

2. The Ritual of Miso: Embracing the Season

The book also offers lovely "hints" for enjoying daily life, like making your own miso. Interestingly, February is actually the peak season (Kan-jikomi) for miso-making in Japan!

To be honest, I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster experience with it. I’ve made miso twice: the first time was a delicious success, but the second time was a bit of a failure (which was heartbreaking!). However, reading Marie’s tips made me want to try again. There is something so rewarding about slow-living rituals that align with the seasons.

3. Understanding Marie Kondo’s Roots

For those of us in Japan, Marie Kondo can sometimes feel very spiritual or "Zen." This book sheds light on why: she writes about her grandfather, who was a practitioner of traditional Eastern medicine.

Seeing her roots—growing up in an environment where the connection between the mind, body, and home was so deeply respected—made her "Shinto-like" approach to tidying make so much more sense to me. It’s a beautiful reminder of how our heritage shapes our space.

4. Reimagining the Art of Gifting

Toward the end of the book, there’s a thoughtful section on gifting.

In the past, I’ve always been a "safe" gifter—I usually chose flowers or food because I didn't want to burden others with "stuff" they might not like. But the book encouraged me to be a bit more adventurous. While being mindful of clutter is important, there is joy in the act of thinking, making, or choosing something special for someone. It’s about the connection, not just the object.

Final Thoughts

Kurashi at Home is more than a book; it’s a visual and spiritual guide to living well in Japan. Whether you are looking for interior inspiration or a deeper connection to Japanese culture, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Book Link: Kurashi at Home by Marie Kondo] Profile: A guide to visualizing your ideal life through 125 photographs and personal stories from the world's most famous organizing consultant.