Letter From Japan

by Marie Kondō

In her most personal book yet, the iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy—and can make our lives better today.

“This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the arts, rituals and sensibilities of Japan.”

Though she’s known for “tidying up” and “sparking joy,” there’s more to Marie Kondo than her love of mess. Across book tours and international conferences, it became clear that her audience, while interested in how to keep their lives tidy, was also keen to learn about Kondo herself and the culture that is intrinsic to her tidying method.

In Letter from Japan, Kondo responds to the myriad questions she received about her inspirations by examining the Japanese customs that she grew up with—minute details of tea ceremonies, the art of taking care of gardens, and the power of passing seasons—with her trademark gentle wisdom. But this isn’t only a response to her audience’s fervent desire to get to know the woman behind the show; it’s a manifesto for her three children, a documentation of the foundational elements of their culture that is essential to their understanding of the world around them.

With subtle and lyrical prose, Kondo embarks on her most personal and affirming book yet, holding onto the customs that not only spark joy but also preserve them for future generations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Memoir, Travel, Biography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Marie Kondo (近藤 麻理恵) is a Japanese organizing consultant and author. Kondo's method of organizing is known as the KonMari Method, and one of the main principles is keeping only possessions which "spark joy."

Kondo's best-seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing has been published in more than 30 countries.

She was listed as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2015.

Personal website: http://konmari.com/en/
Book website: http://tidyingup.com/
App website: http://konmari-media.com/

Reviews

[Stacy (Gotham City Librarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Marie Kondo. Her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” really did help me let go of a lot of stuff and re-evaluate the way I look at my household. This one was more informative than instructional, and though I went into it expecting a lot of biographical content I ended up with a wide range of topics instead.

For example, Kondo talks about the changing seasons in Japan and what makes each of them unique, suggesting that it is fulfilling to take more notice of each one in more detail before it passes. I have actually already been doing this, trying to savor the little things I like best about each time of year. Maybe as a way of trying to wring any sort of happiness out of 2025? Who knows. (I didn’t know that Sakura trees only bloom for two weeks every year, btw!)

I wasn’t sure at first what Kondo was doing with the format of this book, but once I got used to it I really liked it. She goes in depth about the meaning of various Japanese words, how they resonate in the culture, and how they compare to customs in the U.S. She also relates these words back to her own experiences as a tidying professional.

I especially liked learning about the term “otaku,” which has to do with being very devoted to a pop culture figure or fandom, and reading about the elaborate process of a proper Japanese tea service, among many other things.

It does kind of feel as though Kondo chose the topics for this book randomly, but that’s okay. It was a breezy and interesting read, and after completing it I really want to visit Japan someday. (I already did, but now it’s #1 on the list.)

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating book. I am a huge fan of Marie Kondo and the KonMari method so I was super excited about this book. It was great to learn more about Marie herself especially her last and her upbringing. I also really liked how she explained so many things in Japanese culture, and a lot of it is stuff that influences her tidying method. As someone who tidies this way also, it was interesting to learn more about it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CatReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Kondō is a Japanese organization guru who's best known for her 2010 book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing promoting her eponymous KonMari method of keeping possessions that 'spark joy' and thanking and guiltlessly discarding the rest, and the subsequent media appearances, Netflix specials, and parody books resultantly spawned.

Fifteen years after her debut, Kondō is now in her early 40s, the married mother of three young kids and back living in Japan after several years living in the United States. Letter from Japan is a surprisingly delightful series of essays reflecting on the values and nuances of Japanese life and culture that created the foundation for Kondō's value systems and worldview. I would classify this as a very cozy book, analogous to Cecilia Blomdahl's Life on Svalbard: Finding Home on a Remote Island Near the North Pole (though minus the pictures, I think -- I listened to the audio version of this Kondō book), and reminiscent of Youtube channels like Paolo from Tokyo and cozy computer/mobile games like Japanese developer G-Mode's game Japan Rural Life Adventure. Though Kondō writes many vignettes about her own upbringing, I wouldn't really consider this book a memoir, as the focus is on Japanese traditions, customs, and philosophies more broadly. Crucially, and off-brand for Kondō, this isn't a how-to manual book on how to declutter your possessions and organize and clean your home! I really enjoyed this read, and I hope under Kondō's name recognition it finds a wide appreciative audience.

My statistics:
Book 357 for 2025
Book 2283 cumulatively

[Lilisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this memoir by Marie Kondo. Written in an uncluttered simple but elegant style, this truly is a love letter about Japan and its cultural traditions that have evolved over hundreds of years. Marie Kondo highlights for readers who are not Japanese, what it means to be raised Japanese and how culture, traditions, ethos and approach to life are embedded in Japanese DNA, literally from birth. It is about the whole being - spiritual, mental, physical and emotional, and not only about the individual, but the community as a whole, and the wider universe. The explanation of Japanese concepts was well articulated. It was amusing to hear Marie’s initial reaction to a few habits from the western world, as well as how some living concepts she was accustomed to, such as taking long, leisurely baths, did not go over well in drought-stricken parts of the world. Overall, this was a four-star read with much kudos to the author and her co-writer for artfully creating a book that gives the reader an accessible, easily digestible, and important insight into what it’s like to live and be Japanese. I definitely recommend it. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The energy I'm bringing into the new year

[Asia Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letter From Japan by Marie Kondo is a gentle, insightful piece of writing on simplicity, intention, and cultural connection. Unlike her previous works focused on tidying, this book feels more personal. It felt like a quiet conversation between author and reader over a warm drink. Through letters and reflections, she invites us into her world, blending the philosophy of kanso (simplicity), with the emotional depth of everyday life. I found this book incredibly grounding. It’s not just about organizing physical space, it’s about organizing the heart. Her writing is elegant just like our author and her words come off incredibly sincere. Her reflections on Japanese traditions, motherhood, and mindfulness feel especially important in times like these, when many of us are seeking clarity and calm in our busy lives. Thank you Marie Kondo, Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Peter Tillman]

WSJ review: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/book...
(Paywalled. As always, I'm happy to email a copy to non-subscribers)
Excerpt:
"Ms. Kondo’s “Letter From Japan,” beautifully written with the translator Marie Iida, may spark joy in even the author’s maximalist skeptics. The soft intimacy of Ms. Kondo’s prose and the dynamic threads she weaves together to explain her native country to a foreign reader simultaneously comforts and prompts introspection of the reader’s own daily routines, which is arguably the book’s mandate."

[natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited about this book because I'm interested in Japanese culture. Unfortunately, I was mostly bored. My favorite chapters would have made good magazine articles.

[Meggan]

I was not super familiar with Marie Kondo's story or work, but of course, I knew her tidying methodology. I was drawn more to this book because of the exploration of Japanese culture and traditions. This book perfectly intertwined the two by exploring unique patterns, trends, and traditions in Japan and the correlations with Kondo's view on tidying.

I really enjoyed the insights she provided into Japanese food, art, language, and more and was very impressed by the profoundness of her writing. I did a lot of highlighting in this book. Whether you're a fan of Marie Kondo's work, fascinated by learning about cultures and traditions, or wanting to plan a trip to Japan, this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Wendelle]

At the time of this writing, the author Marie Kondo had transported her children to the US. This book was posed as a response to Marie Kondo's deliberation of what the quintessential Japanese values are that are worth imparting to her children, who are a long ways away from home. I found this book moving in the ways Marie Kondo took delicate joy in small things and remembrances, and in the clear fondness and pride she displayed in exploring different cultural elements she thinks Japan could share with the world. These include:
i) the pale pink sakura flowers that now grow internationally, and whose seasonal blossoming reminds viewers of cherishing the joy of ephemeral things
ii) autumn menu foods in Japan
iii) the concept of 'kawaii' or 'adorableness', now an internationally renowned phrase and cultural phenomenon, that upon closer inspection, she says, shows that it's valued because it shows quirkiness, individuality, innocence, comfort, and well-meaning. In a way, 'kawaii' objects soothe and spark joy in a serious and work-oriented society
iv) incorporating one's passions or 'oshi' in one's life, whether it's trains or anime or 15th century Japanese history and sword collecting
v) the value of reuse, reduce, repair and recycle as sustainability practices imparted in the term 'mottainai'
vi) the slow appreciation of the present, evocative atmosphere, graceful preparation and careful craftmanship of the tea ceremony
vii) using calligraphy to write one's new Year's resolutions in 'kakizome'
viii) manga as a widespread art used to convey not just emotion-laden entertainment, but knowledge and learning to the general public
ix) 'onsen' or the practice of bathing in hot springs in view of nature as a way to relax and rejuvenate
x) tidying as a way of being aware of, and caring for, one's local environment, such as the realization of removing trash and pollution and having a conservation mindset
xi) having joy and present focus in food and food presentation, exemplified by bento boxes and rice balls
xii) the stillness and simplicity of Japanese gardens
xiii) the practice of meditating underneath waterfalls
In such a way, this book was a delight to read.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend Marie Kondo’s “Letter from Japan” enough!!!

I have loved Kondo’s “Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” since she published it about a decade ago.

Kondo’s latest book speaks to my soul. I appreciate her exploration of Japanese history and culture to explain the foundations of her tidying methodology.

My favorite chapters:
- Kisetsu (Seasons)
- Kawaii (Cute)
- Mottainai
- Chado (Tea Ceremony)
- Onsen (Hot Spring)
- Soji (Cleaning)
- Omotenashi (Hospitality)
- Utsuwa (Vessel)
- Onigiri (Rice Ball)
- Kotoba (Language)
- Ma (Space)

So many of Kondo’s cultural beliefs resonate deeply with mine. I found the book relaxing, calming, and peaceful.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book!!!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really torn as to how to rate this book. I didn’t come to this book for anything having to do with the whole tidying/organizing/downsizing thing, but rather because I saw a reference in a review as to some handy Japanese words. These terms can sometimes take the place of an entire phrase, or sometimes several sentences, in English. Irusu is just such a word in Japanese. Of course, German and other languages have done similarly (Schadenfreude anyone?).

Any way, I noted about a half dozen such words from the book. The book was generally well-written, and certainly well-translated 👍. However, the bulk of the material was not terribly interesting, at least for what I was reading it for. And some sections, like the whole silly crystal thing, was just annoying. (The waterfall bathing was cool 🥶 though.) So (4⭐️ + 4⭐️ + 3⭐️) / 3 = 3.67⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it is.

[acorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to pick up after traveling in Japan for two weeks! It is a special book that strikes the perfect balance between informational and intimate. Kondo's writing conveys a unique voice and the pages are filled with small pieces of inspiration. I enjoyed the format because each topic felt unique yet cohensive with the overall tone. I appreciated the inclusion of quotes from artisans and experts that Kondo interviewed because it added depth to my understanding. I look forward to revisiting my favorite chapters and learning more!

[Vanessa Ya Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What beautiful book! I love that Marie compares creating a beautiful space to a kind of prayer (Nihon Teien chapter).

I learned so much about Japanese culture while simultaneously realizing how much I have in common with Marie Kondo.

I love the way she approaches life and I definitely want to explore some of the beautiful experiences/spaces she details in her book.

“The more I learn, the more I find my curiosity and spirit of adventure to be endless.”

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book my thought was that it would be a nice light read during the holidays.

I was surprised at how much I loved it! So many descriptions of Japanese culture and traditions were shared by Kondo in a delicate and charming manner.

I was pleased and impressed!

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very gentle and pleasant introduction or reminder of aspects of Japanese culture. It's an easy read and informative. It's actually somewhat mentally refreshing.

I knock one star off, because it was, at times, a bit of an advert for her earlier book.

[brianna maphis · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an interesting book about random parts of japanese culture

[Michael Antonelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very nice things in here that I will think about a lot moving forward. Especially the idea that the cup or bowl that the food is in is just as important as the food. Aesthetics matter babe!

[RaspberryRoses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasurable read. It is my favorite genre of nonfiction book, which is short essays written by interesting people that can relax me before bed.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

International treasure continues to delight. I cried real human tears.

[Huda · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful, whimsical and deep. I loved it and learn a lot about Japan.

[Lily Hammer-Beerends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It made me think more about my culture and helped me learn more about the culture of Japan! I will work to be aware of the values and rituals in my day to day.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the explanation of how Japanese culture (at least as she grew up in, though she also goes into some history) influenced her method. She acknowledges that this was in response to non-Japanese being curious about her methods and recognizing the differences in cultures.
Also she (they? I wonder how much Marie Iida contributed to explanations and not "just" translation) explains the Japanese words and characters and how they're made up of multiple words and characters and how they mean different things.
Aesthetically, like her original books, a small hand sized hardcover without dust jacket. Lovely watercolor and gold landscape like cover. The gold makes me think of kintsugi.
The library catalogued it in biographies, but the book itself is labeled on the back "Travel-Asia-East-Japan".
I got on hold list from the library while it was still on order. Stamped Nov 2025 (it was published in Oct).

Chapter 1: CHERISH
Kisetsu - Seasons

Spring: Cherry Blossoms/Sakura.
Summer: Fireworks. The US does fireworks in summer, but not exclusively in summer, as was one of her points, and when I think of fireworks I think of the explosive disturbing sound but I enjoyed what she said about the ritual and communal enjoyment and the seasonal nature of the event. Autumn: I loved the microseason calendar she described and how it could guide or inspire daily life. P. 16-17. "In ancient Japan, people structured their years according to the kyureki, a lunisolar calendar. This hybrid timekeeping system, which considers both the phases of the moon and Earth's orbit around the sun, originated in China but was adapted in Japan to reflect the country's unique climate and natural phenomena. The kyureki divides the four seasons into six segments, creating twenty-four divisions called sekki (solar terms). The sekki is then divided further into three, resulting in seventy-two ko or micro-seasons. A sekki typically lasts about fifteen days while each ko spans roughly five days. The twenty-four sekki begins with Risshun (Beginning of Spring) in early February, progressing through the equinoxes and solstices of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, before concluding with Daikan (Greater Cold) in late January. Meanwhile the seventy-two ko often bear poetic, descriptive names. Autumn's micro-seasons, for example, include "Rice Ripens," "Farmers Drain Fields," "Crickets Chirp Around the Door," and "Maple Leaves and Ivy Turns Yellow." These evocative names not only chronicle nature's gradual transitions but also offer gentle cues on how we might align our lives with these rhythms."

Kawaii - Cute
Oshi - Favorite. Beyond a discussion of favorite things discusses fanatic collecting and special interests.
Mottainai, p. 59 "expresses profound regret over discarding or wasting something that could still serve a purpose...reflects Buddhist teachings that all things in this world are interconnected and that nothing should be taken for granted." Here is where kintsugi is mentioned. Also acknowledging it sounds like it would make her tidying (including discarding) difficult. p.66 "What do I consider most mottainai? Things that never spark joy, things that make us feel ambivalent or uneasy, lying dormant in our homes forever. Things that are never used because we fear they will change or break. Our physical environment becomes cluttered by things that hinder our ability to read the fullest potential of our lives. In the KonMari method of tidying, we learn to choose what sparks joy for us. But I feel that a lot of people forget that this is only half of the magic. The rest is about what you do - how you live - with the things that you decide to keep. Tidying teaches you to identify what you truly love, but it also changes how you live going forward. You shift into a life in which you take care of the things you have and create less waste. Things no longer overwhelm you because you are in better control of what you bring into your life."

Chapter 2: PERFECT
Chado - Tea Ceremony. One of the several instances of where Japanese life sounds so different to American, the image of high school students taking their shoes off at the entrance to the room, arranging the room, practicing the careful sections of the tea ceremony.
Do - The Way. Like above, the description of Japanese toilets, toilet papers, restrooms, the expectations of the multi functions, the cleanliness, so different of much of American and other Western experiences, and hard to believe that these would be the common occurrence in Japan. The precise train times maybe be mentioned here or elsewhere. "The Way" is about the pursuit of perfection, and as I understood it not necessarily that everything is or must be perfect.
Manga: Got into how many more subjects manga might cover and not "just" a graphic novel, cartoon story, which I can get the impression of them being.

Chapter 3: CONSIDER
Onsen - Hot Spring
Soji - Cleaning. The idea that school children daily clean and organize their schools was remarkable and slightly unbelievable. She does address how unusual this was for other countries (they lived in LA with children and they went to American school). Here she mentions Ghibli movies which have scenes of the children cleaning new-to-them spaces and making them fresh and made me think how I enjoyed those scenes without necessarily recognizing why. p. 134-137 "My Japanese elementary school taught me not to take for granted the spaces outside our homes that we share with others - schools, parks, even sidewalks. I think about this often nowadays. Behind our digital screens, it's easy to feel as though we live in isolated bubbles, letting the scope of what we consider our responsibility grow narrower. Yet, the world we live in needs our care more than ever. Learning to extend our sense of responsibility and consideration to our surrounding might be the first step we need to take today...We see Kiki open the attic window and let in some fresh air. She places the chairs from the room onto the little dining table, then brings up a big pail of water and a brush. Rolling up the sleeves of her dress and the hem of her skirt, she gets down on all fours and begins scrubbing the dust-covered floor. She smiles as she works, her eyes brimming with hope and determination. Beneath the shimmering layer of water, the floor begins to take on a new brightness. From this very room, Kiki is about to start a flying delivery service using her broomstick. The scenes of her cleaning symbolize her resolve as she embarks on this new chapter of her life... And how does My Neighbor Totoro begin? With scenes of cleaning the house, of course! Miyazaki infuses so much joy in the opening scenes where Satsuma and Mei move into their new hime. The sisters dash through the house, opening what seems like an endless number of doors and windows...Satsuki and Mei fill buckets of water from the well in their backyard, and Satsuma polishes the corridor exactly the way I did in elementary school - she literally zooms across the shot as she pushes the wet rag with her hands, her legs kicking out behind her. This scene, which never fails to make me smile, is proof that all Japanese children know how to wipe floors this way."
Omotenashi - Hospitality. Goes beyond eating but looks at how much care is taken in presenting food, serving customers or visitors

Chapter 4: SAVOR.
Umami. That taste that is neither sweet nor salty. Also about food presentation and how Japanese parents get a little obsessed with preparing bento for their children's school lunches.
Utsuwa - Vessel. Looking, as with everything, at the care in creating vessels (any container), of how they serve.
Onigiri - Rice Ball, Japan's comfort food. Again looks at the care of making, especially in creating by hand. Includes recipes for two kinds.

Chapter 5: PURIFY
Joka - Purification. talks about cleansing rituals both at home and in a temple.
Shio - Salt. I was surprised by the amount she used it, not just in food, or even in water, or bath salts, but also putting a handful or salt on top of the head and showering, and the salt lamp. And then features a maker of sea salt, Mr. Inoue. p. 223-224 "'Our bodies desire salt. We require it on a cellular level,' he said. 'Life on earth began in the sea, and the composition of the human body is similar to that of seawater. That's why it's important that the salt I make is as close as possible to the components of the sea. Natural sea salt can contain as many as seventy minerals that are naturally found in the sea. It can restore our health from the inside.' Mr. Inoue also shared with me what he loves most about his profession - it allows people to notice something fundamental: our connection to the ocean and the natural environment. Our relationship with nature is symbiotic. Protecting our environment is the same as protecting ourselves. Salt may appear to be a simple, everyday seasoning, but it carries the memories of the sea, the forest, and the rain. Each grain holds a gift from the natural wold, something to be savored with intention. For me, salt is more than a seasoning: it purifies both body and spirit, and nothing else feels quite as restorative."
Takigyo - Waterfall Meditation

Chapter 6: HARMONIZE
Nihon Teien - Japanese-Style Garden. She starts admitting how she always loved the more lush English type gardens. Then goes on to look at how the Japanese gardens shows and features space differently and encourage different use of the senses and serve as place for reflection. p. 251 "The experience of tranquility, found in a Japanese garden, connects our hearts to Japan and to our most authentic selves, no matter where we are or where we come from. It feels like a gentle letter from Japan, addressed with care to us all."
Jinja - Shrine. Discusses her experience as a shrine maiden and of seeking out shrines in new spaces, especially on moving to a new community.
Kotoba - Language. Discusses the differences between Japanese and English and her experiences on working outside of Japan, translation, and speaking English herself.
Ma - Space. Discussing different kinds of space, including time and emotion. Starts with the experience of filming the Netflix shows and seeing that crew expected her to talk or keep things moving constantly where she wanted to give clients time and quiet to feel what they were feeling.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this book and the careful thought that went into explaining the essence or the Japaneseness of what Kondo lives by and teaches. You won't learn to fold anything in this book, but you will learn the why of the folding. You will also learn a lot more about the author. It is thought provoking and very relevant to our world today.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I was delighted by it.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Crown publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed it immensely. It is very well written, but if you’re not interested in Japanese culture, it might be a bit repetitive and even boring.
The book covers Japanese history and traditional culture that helps us understand her vision and her methods I am biased because I have always been fascinated by everything Japanese. Learning about the reasoning behind Japanese traditions is fascinating to me. But it might not be for everyone.

[Brice Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Crown Publishing For the ARC!

Marie Kondō's Letter from Japan is a quietly contented book that asks only for its readers to ask less of themselves.

Very rarely have I sat on a book review for so long, but within a few pages of Letter to Japan, it became clear that my usual reading pace would do a disservice to Kondō's intentions. The author delights in creating space for the reader to slow down and reflect, and I found myself wanting to enjoy a few pages at the end of each day, savoring the writing as long as possible.

Truthfully, before reading, I was familiar with Marie Kondō only as a meme. Since her rise to fame, I’ve seen countless references to “sparking joy” by tidying up, and it was easy to dismiss her work as simplistic. Letter from Japan gently (but immediately) challenged my expectations by instead celebrating simplicity.

In a way, Letter from Japan isn’t about anything. It has no agenda, only a single, animating question that Kondo saves for the final few pages—“How much can we love and accept the world’s ambiguities?” In the author's hands, the answer feels like balance instead of tension.

There are chapters in praise of salt. There are musings on the value of wabi sabi. There are reflections on re-evaluating the concept of fandom. Despite the diversity of subject matter, the chapters feel unified by a joyful lack of self-interest. Letter from Japan is a very generous book, and Marie Kondō is a very graceful writer.

The writing style feels so refreshing because Kondō isn’t concerned with saying anything new. Kintsugi might be a tired metaphor in western culture now, but here it feels vibrant because the author isn’t interested in it as a metaphor. She just likes it. It’s beautiful and meaningful because of it. By the end of the book, I was thinking about parts of my life and culture that are valuable because they don't have a function, and I think that's the author's point.

I encourage readers who are in want of wonder to spend time with Letter from Japan. Marie Kondō invites us to slow down and appreciate our world without needing that appreciation to accomplish anything, and her perspective feels vital.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Now I loved Marie Kondo’s book The Magic of Tidying and her hit Netflix shows. But as I’m reading this book, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is this lady on the spectrum?’ Is tidying a symptom of her OCD? How can one be this passionate about tidying. And sometimes she will say things like, ‘basketball reminds me of tidying, you really have to train for it.’ Um, okay. And then later, ‘(the Japanese word for cold plunging) reminds me of tidying.’ Does everything remind you of tidying?

Despite this observation, I did enjoy the book. She really showcased how growing up in Japan influenced her as an organizer. I loved tidying myself growing up. I think it was my dream to clean houses one day, I loved it that much. But then I realized some people are disgusting and I don’t do that! Anyway, I would buy Victoria Magazine or Martha Stewart and I would think, people don’t really live like that?! Why can’t you provide practical advice for how people actually live. I grew up in a condo in Hawaii. Space was at a premium. You had very little to work with so you had to make room for what you value. So it was refreshing to read Marie Kondo’s Magic of Tidying book because she was working with some of the parameters I had.

I also studied Japanese and have been to Japan twice, so I was interested to hear in Letter From Japan about aspects of Japanese life that influence her: living with the seasons, the onsen culture, Japanese food culture, politeness and valuing silence.

Part of her tidying method was using fancy Japanese boxes to organize stuff. In her culture, presentation is everything so Japanese things would come in cool boxes and she saved her favorites. Yeah, we don’t do that here. We have Amazon boxes. So she was surprised when asking American clients to present their boxes and they didn’t have any. I have one Japanese box when I was growing up in Hawaii. I have a square tin box that Japanese crackers came in, but I saved the box to hold my treasures. That’s one box tho.

[Elizabeth V'R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letter from Japan feels rooted in something older than productivity or lifestyle design. It carries a distinctly Japanese spiritual tone — an attentiveness to season, atmosphere, and the unseen relationships between people, objects, and place. There is a Shinto-like reverence here: for everyday life, for impermanence, and for the spaces in between.

What I appreciated most is how much ma — meaningful pause — this book allows. Marie Kondo does not rush the reader. She does not demand clarity or transformation. Instead, she invites stillness, listening, and respect for one’s current season of life. The book feels shaped by lived experience, including motherhood, fatigue, and change — and by an acceptance that harmony is not something you force, but something you notice.

This is not really a book about tidying. It is about alignment. About living in quiet conversation with your surroundings. About allowing your home, your time, and even your energy to be slightly unfinished, slightly breathing.

There is a deep cultural humility here — a sense that wisdom is transmitted gently, indirectly, through image and mood rather than instruction. The Japan of this book is not exoticized; it is intimate and ordinary, expressed through small gestures and attention to daily life.

This book will especially resonate with readers drawn to Japanese aesthetics, seasonal living, Shinto-inflected spirituality, or anyone who is tired of being told to fix themselves. It offers something rarer: permission to pause.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all but the business book that Marie Kondo has written (including the manga). With this book, it was nice to get insight on daily life for Marie Kondo and how her life in Japan and even in the US in some parts of this book has had an influence on her or has made her appreciate things from her own culture more. She didn't focus a lot of what it is like to be a mother, but you could get a sense of her love for her husband Takumi and her three children.

Each chapter expresses something from Japanese culture that has inspired her and others. She gives some inside stories from her life that have to do with those things. For instance, she talks about onsen, and how hot springs and bathing is important to her. She explains its importance in her culture and how it varied while she was living in the US.

I very much enjoyed each chapter and learning more about Marie Kondo, but some of the things she is into make me raise my eyebrows and just doesn't resonate with me, and that is okay. I felt her idea of using crystals for instance to be new age and not something that really makes sense. While her talk about how salt is important in life did make sense. I guess things like that. I have learned to sift and take what I find to be valuable to me from her lifestyle and methods.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did read "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying" many years ago, and Marie Kondo's philosophy of "does this still bring you joy, if not, hit da bricks!" still stays with me (although looking around I think I could use a refresher!). So here we have a, not quite a memoir, but a very personal reflection on living life currently, aided and held by the things Kondo has learned throughout the years working as a professional tidying consultant, both in Japan and overseas.

This is a very Japanese-life inspired book, as the aforementioned living abroad really just drew comparisons to her own upbringing and the way of life she was used to back home (this is not a critique). It's gentle and lovely and reminds me to appreciate the things I take for granted, really - seasonal foods items (and even just the availability of food items here in California honestly), the weather... and even, surprisingly, the expression of fandom in ones own home and daily life. That particular chapter (on Oshikatsu) is one I want to nudge my friends toward specifically.

It was a lovely little read in the middle of a very chaotic season for me.

Thank you to Crown Publishing (Crown) and NetGalley for the eARC for review.