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Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit
From the author of Clean Green Eats, a Japanese-inspired guide to finding balance, joy, and good health—A Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up for wellness—that emphasizes a simple, streamlined method for cleaning up your eating habits and offers modern-day applications of ancient Japanese healing practices and philosophy
Candice Kumai has always treasured the Japanese traditions that shaped her childhood. In recent years, she’s been spending more time in Japan, meeting with relatives and absorbing the culture. It was on one of those trips that she visited a Kintsugi master and found the guiding inspiration for her next book.
Kintsugi is an art form that reconstructs broken pottery, sealing the pieces together with gold to create something that is even more beautiful for all of its cracks and flaws. In Kintsugi Wellness, Candice shows us how this ancient Japanese practice can be applied to our lives to achieve radiant health.
Part 1: Lifestyle introduces the Japanese art of living and aging well, from spending more time with family + nature and honoring the seasons (and the impact of the seasons your body) to reconnecting with ancestors + learning of adaptation, discipline, humility and kaizen (continuous improvement).
Part 2: Mind explores the ways in which the mind and body are inextricably linked in Japanese wellness philosophies, showing readers how the philosophy of golden repair can be applied in cleansing rituals, meditation, and soothing traditions.
Part 3: Heart shows us how to incorporate a greater sense of connection and gratitude into our lives through community, spirituality, personal relationships, nature, respect and family—the cornerstones of Japanese culture.
Part 4: Nutrition offers detailed information on essential Japanese ingredients (including superfoods like green tea/matcha, miso, and fermented foods) as well as traditional cooking traditions and methods, with forty whole-food recipes including California style bowls, miso, soba, temaki (hand-roll) sushi, bento boxes and more.
The philosophy of kintsugi is not about perfection—it is about healing, becoming whole, and finding the beauty in our imperfections. Written in Candice’s warm, conversational style and filled with more than seventy-five gorgeous full-color food and lifestyle photos, Kintsugi Wellness offers readers the tools to mend what ails them and to embrace and celebrate what makes them unique.
Candice Kumai has always treasured the Japanese traditions that shaped her childhood. In recent years, she’s been spending more time in Japan, meeting with relatives and absorbing the culture. It was on one of those trips that she visited a Kintsugi master and found the guiding inspiration for her next book.
Kintsugi is an art form that reconstructs broken pottery, sealing the pieces together with gold to create something that is even more beautiful for all of its cracks and flaws. In Kintsugi Wellness, Candice shows us how this ancient Japanese practice can be applied to our lives to achieve radiant health.
Part 1: Lifestyle introduces the Japanese art of living and aging well, from spending more time with family + nature and honoring the seasons (and the impact of the seasons your body) to reconnecting with ancestors + learning of adaptation, discipline, humility and kaizen (continuous improvement).
Part 2: Mind explores the ways in which the mind and body are inextricably linked in Japanese wellness philosophies, showing readers how the philosophy of golden repair can be applied in cleansing rituals, meditation, and soothing traditions.
Part 3: Heart shows us how to incorporate a greater sense of connection and gratitude into our lives through community, spirituality, personal relationships, nature, respect and family—the cornerstones of Japanese culture.
Part 4: Nutrition offers detailed information on essential Japanese ingredients (including superfoods like green tea/matcha, miso, and fermented foods) as well as traditional cooking traditions and methods, with forty whole-food recipes including California style bowls, miso, soba, temaki (hand-roll) sushi, bento boxes and more.
The philosophy of kintsugi is not about perfection—it is about healing, becoming whole, and finding the beauty in our imperfections. Written in Candice’s warm, conversational style and filled with more than seventy-five gorgeous full-color food and lifestyle photos, Kintsugi Wellness offers readers the tools to mend what ails them and to embrace and celebrate what makes them unique.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published August 22, 2018
231 people are currently reading
2380 people want to read
About the author
Candice Kumai
12 books64 followersCandice Kumai is an American author and chef. Kumai is based in New York City.
Candice was born in California to a Japanese mother and Polish-American father. Kumai worked as a model when she was a teenager. Later, she trained as a professional chef in Southern California, cooking on the line at several restaurants.
Candice was born in California to a Japanese mother and Polish-American father. Kumai worked as a model when she was a teenager. Later, she trained as a professional chef in Southern California, cooking on the line at several restaurants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 18, 2018
كتاب لطيف بطباعة وغلاف مميزين
يرتكز على التغذية وإدارة العلاقات والتعامل مع الضغوط
يشجع عموما على التركيز على الأشياء التي تهمهم في حياتهم
وتجنب إهدار الطاقة على الأشياء التي لا تهمهم
وتستنفذ طاقتهم ووقتهم
وذلك من خلال حديث المؤلفة -نصف اليابانية- عن حياتها ونشأتها الصارمة
الكينتسوجي هو إصلاح وترميم الآنية المكسورة من خلال سد الشروخ بطِلاء اللّك ثم تغطيتها بعناية بمسحوق الذهب
يعتقد اليابانيون أن الشروخ الذهبية تجعل الإناء المسكور أعلى قيمة بكثير
ورمزية هذا الفن تستخدمها المؤلفة هنا للحديث عن كيفية التئام قلوبنا المكسورة
متقبلين الشروخ التي حدثت بها
لا محاولين إخفائها كأنها لم تكن
December 31, 2018
It's probably a 2.5 stars for me but I will be generous and round up.
A few random observations:
* the real value is probably the recipes. If you could get that section on its own -- and it's fairly expansive given the overall size of the book -- that would be worth having.
* some of the ingredients may be hard to source, I'm not sure as I haven't tried yet
* there's not much on the actual practice of kintsugi (not that I expected an instruction manual) -- rather it's the jumping off point of the book
* the author is generous, gracious and kind-hearted in spirit throughout (the acknowledgements pages are as extensive as you'll ever come across)
* most of the advice and guidance is fairly superficial and you likely have already come across it elsewhere. You probably can find similar instructions for free on various blogs without a whole lot of effort. The difference is pairing it up with various Japanese cultural concepts which gives it somewhat of a new spin. That part was intriguing. However to me it turned out to be more of the wrapper for the actual advice which was still things that I'd seen or heard elsewhere, or are common sense.
* Even the encounters she has with various hosts throughout parts of Japan are lightly handled. They amount to little more than "So-and-so-san welcomed us graciously." It would have been nice to understand a little more of what made such an impression from these visits and individuals.
* It made me want to know more and/or find a book specifically about the residents of Okinawa ... what are their habits, culture, lifestyle, etc. that gives them the longevity they enjoy.
* I did like the section at the end of the book where she describes her favorite locales in Japan. It gave me insights into places to visit if I travel to Japan at some point.
All in all, my advice is thumb through the book and take a look at the recipes ... if those look interesting, it is probably worth your time. If not you can probably skip the book without a lot of FOMO.
A few random observations:
* the real value is probably the recipes. If you could get that section on its own -- and it's fairly expansive given the overall size of the book -- that would be worth having.
* some of the ingredients may be hard to source, I'm not sure as I haven't tried yet
* there's not much on the actual practice of kintsugi (not that I expected an instruction manual) -- rather it's the jumping off point of the book
* the author is generous, gracious and kind-hearted in spirit throughout (the acknowledgements pages are as extensive as you'll ever come across)
* most of the advice and guidance is fairly superficial and you likely have already come across it elsewhere. You probably can find similar instructions for free on various blogs without a whole lot of effort. The difference is pairing it up with various Japanese cultural concepts which gives it somewhat of a new spin. That part was intriguing. However to me it turned out to be more of the wrapper for the actual advice which was still things that I'd seen or heard elsewhere, or are common sense.
* Even the encounters she has with various hosts throughout parts of Japan are lightly handled. They amount to little more than "So-and-so-san welcomed us graciously." It would have been nice to understand a little more of what made such an impression from these visits and individuals.
* It made me want to know more and/or find a book specifically about the residents of Okinawa ... what are their habits, culture, lifestyle, etc. that gives them the longevity they enjoy.
* I did like the section at the end of the book where she describes her favorite locales in Japan. It gave me insights into places to visit if I travel to Japan at some point.
All in all, my advice is thumb through the book and take a look at the recipes ... if those look interesting, it is probably worth your time. If not you can probably skip the book without a lot of FOMO.
June 12, 2018
I was introduced to Candice Kumai by way of the Black Girl In Om podcast where they spoke in depth about all things wellness, legacy, and so much more. I enjoyed reading through this general guideline which elaborated on Candice's understanding of a wide breadth of lifestyle truths associated with Kintsugi. A lot of the concepts she laid out reminded me of The Four Agreements and Candice listed Don Miguel Ruiz in her acknowledgments so the inspiration definitely traveled over for me. This is definitely a worthwhile read if you want to understand some of the ancient wisdom associated with Japanese culture and the variety of recipes shared are a great bonus to pick it up (and why I bumped it up a star to really liked it. It sounds longish at 300+ pages, but the formatting and the large selection of recipes makes the book fly by quite smoothly.
December 31, 2023
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing ceramic products, which involves filling cracks with the addition of precious metals, which adds extraordinary charm to them. The idea of repairing imperfections by emphasizing them can also be applied to every sphere of life.
This Japanese philosophy teaches you how to be good enough for yourself, get up after failures, regain balance after difficult experiences and come to terms with the unpredictable.
In addition to conveying the principles of kintsugi philosophy, the book is the author's diary. It also contains a collection of recipes for Japanese cuisine and a description of places in Japan.
This Japanese philosophy teaches you how to be good enough for yourself, get up after failures, regain balance after difficult experiences and come to terms with the unpredictable.
In addition to conveying the principles of kintsugi philosophy, the book is the author's diary. It also contains a collection of recipes for Japanese cuisine and a description of places in Japan.
August 24, 2018
A short, quick read that focuses on nutrition/diet, stress, and managing relationships. The book encourages readers to focus on things that matter in their lives and avoid wasting energy on things that don't matter and to let go of time/energy sucks.
May 5, 2021
Why was this book like half recipes LOL I really thought it would include more sage advice. At least it was pretty well written.
January 2, 2019
First off, this is just a beautiful book. I love the spaces on the page, the margins that are wide enough to let the reader breathe. The white and gold cover, the pink inside first page, the gorgeous images all contribute to making it lovely.
Compound that with rich content and you have a great book. I loved re-considering wabi sabi, thinking about other Japanese principles and even thinking about hiking as "forest bathing." In the Nourish section, Kumai includes recipes that made me long for Japanese foods that I don't even particularly care for.
Despite the horrifically incorrect punctuation and the affectively placed commas, I wanted to befriend Candice and explore the world with her.
Compound that with rich content and you have a great book. I loved re-considering wabi sabi, thinking about other Japanese principles and even thinking about hiking as "forest bathing." In the Nourish section, Kumai includes recipes that made me long for Japanese foods that I don't even particularly care for.
Despite the horrifically incorrect punctuation and the affectively placed commas, I wanted to befriend Candice and explore the world with her.
July 3, 2019
3.5 stars. I listened to the audio of this book. The principles and ideas are just the reminders I needed right now, and pretty in-line with my philosophy of wellness. She can be a little self-indulgent once in awhile with her writing style, and I felt like her metaphor to kintsugi was sometimes pretty shallow, but overall I really appreciated the ideas and message. For not the first time I thought how my personality lends itself to many of the tenants of the Japanese culture.
From a linguistic perspective I love hearing Japanese words with a singular meaning; sometimes difficult to translate, which shape and define the Japanese cultural identity.
From a linguistic perspective I love hearing Japanese words with a singular meaning; sometimes difficult to translate, which shape and define the Japanese cultural identity.
April 18, 2021
An interesting approach to holistic wellness from a traditional Japanese cultural perspective. While I do feel the book is primarily aimed at women, there are many worthwhile and unique life lessons her for any reader. I listened to the book on Audible (the narration was perfect) but am also purchasing a hardcopy for my daughter who graduates college and is heading out on her own this spring. This would be a great gift to any young person entering adulthood- preparing them to meet life's wonders and challenges with a sense of kansha.
June 21, 2019
Learning about the Japanese philosophies that have kept Japanese people vibrant, happy and living with intention is something to learn from. Candice presents this philosophy in a way that is relatable, applicable and approachable. She introduces the philosophies, how their meaning is shaped in Japan, but also how to apply them to a modern life, outside of Japan.
Her stories, her words and memories are raw and emotional. Candice gives meaning to difficult times and pain in a way that you can't help but be optimistic about in the end.
I know they they say "don't just a book by its cover," but this book is simply beautiful and high quality. Complete with stunning imagery to capture the essence of Candice's upbringing, adventures and recipes.
Plus the recipes are a FUN way to incorporate these philosophies into our food. Forever learning, growing and enriching our lives physically and mentally! MUAH!
💕
Her stories, her words and memories are raw and emotional. Candice gives meaning to difficult times and pain in a way that you can't help but be optimistic about in the end.
I know they they say "don't just a book by its cover," but this book is simply beautiful and high quality. Complete with stunning imagery to capture the essence of Candice's upbringing, adventures and recipes.
Plus the recipes are a FUN way to incorporate these philosophies into our food. Forever learning, growing and enriching our lives physically and mentally! MUAH!
💕
February 16, 2024
I hesitate to say "I'm done" with this book, because I will revisit often. There are 3 parts to this book that stand out for me: 1) the author's family story, steeped in culture and history (I love reading about other countries, cultures and food!), 2) RECIPES (over made one so far and it's will be a regular), and 3) Japanese philosophy that fall in line with the art of Kintsugi (Golden repair) - everything from striving to do our best while embracing imperfections; resilience; self-care and mindfulness, to gratitude and letting go of that which you cannot control or change. If you are introspective and into learning these concepts, you've seen them before. However, this author presented these concepts in very new and unique ways, and shared either anecdotes from her own family history, or shared her experiences from studies and research in various parts of Japan.
While I have every intention of trying as many recipes in here as I feel compelled to, it is the third part that will draw me back frequently. Ms. Kumai's writing style and her storytelling are so comforting and relatable. I feel like I could glean new information each time I read a section.
I picked this book up when I heard about Kintsugi, recently. The thought of healing our own cracks with golden light was so moving to me, and that this book included healthy recipes in a cuisine I'm not as skilled at - I had to get it. I love it and can't recommend it enough, even if you aren't a "Japan-phile" (?) or someone who likes to cook. There's SO MUCH in here beyond those things, and I even learned much more about Japanese culture than I ever knew.
While I have every intention of trying as many recipes in here as I feel compelled to, it is the third part that will draw me back frequently. Ms. Kumai's writing style and her storytelling are so comforting and relatable. I feel like I could glean new information each time I read a section.
I picked this book up when I heard about Kintsugi, recently. The thought of healing our own cracks with golden light was so moving to me, and that this book included healthy recipes in a cuisine I'm not as skilled at - I had to get it. I love it and can't recommend it enough, even if you aren't a "Japan-phile" (?) or someone who likes to cook. There's SO MUCH in here beyond those things, and I even learned much more about Japanese culture than I ever knew.
January 31, 2021
This book is a beautiful book (literally, the cover is gorgeous!) about the history and practices of different places in Japan. I don’t know how to describe it but it has a large section of recipes, a section on travel, and is focused around principals of Japanese wellness. This makes a great coffee table book and a wonderful gift!
February 3, 2019
I love this book for the focus on culture, cooking, wellness, and self-care. As a young Japanese American woman, I can relate so much to Kumai’s words and insights on life, relationship, taking care of ourselves, and letting go of negative aspects of our lives.
As a modern working woman, Kumai’s emphasis on strengthen, resiliency, and being a boss lady has really motivated me to focus on my hustle.
As a modern working woman, Kumai’s emphasis on strengthen, resiliency, and being a boss lady has really motivated me to focus on my hustle.
January 30, 2019
Great book incorporating Japanese thought and philosophy on food, beauty and emotional health. Lots of recipes and a travel guide to Japan at the end, but the best chapters are at the beginning when she focuses on the self.
January 19, 2019
3.5 stars
It turns out that Kintsugi Wellness was not the book that I was expecting it to be, but I liked it. I am not familiar with the author, Candice Kumai, and if I had been, I may have had a different expectation for the book.
This is a rather standard self-care book, but with a Japanese twist. I think that I was in search of something that was more of a Japanese lifestyle (and home style) book than this one is, however, it is an interesting and beautiful book
It turns out that Kintsugi Wellness was not the book that I was expecting it to be, but I liked it. I am not familiar with the author, Candice Kumai, and if I had been, I may have had a different expectation for the book.
This is a rather standard self-care book, but with a Japanese twist. I think that I was in search of something that was more of a Japanese lifestyle (and home style) book than this one is, however, it is an interesting and beautiful book
July 23, 2021
I was so excited to read this book. There are a lot of really beautiful philosophical concepts in traditional Japanese culture that I've found to be extremely relevant to mental health and overall wellbeing. While I have read about some of these concepts before, I love the idea of compiling and tying them all together for application in modern wellness practices, and I feel this was accomplished in a superficial way. It makes for a nice introductory list, to reference for further reading. Unfortunately, I did not find Kumai's writing to be particularly inspiring or deep/ detailed enough. It wasn't baaad, but I picked up this book because I was looking for some profound wellness wisdom, and I found trite live laugh love type of advice like "try your best" "exercise every day" and "don't worry so much about perfection" with very little elaboration or even enough detail on the overall themes themselves. Having explored some of these ideas before, I don't think she really did them justice. Where she shared personal stories they felt vague and unresolved. I will say Kumai herself seems like a lovely person. The food and recipe section was wonderful and clearly where Kumai is most passionate. It really shined through the rest.
I was introduced to this book through a written interview with Kumai, and in it the fundamental concepts were outlined with brief descriptions. Ultimately, aside from some really nice recipes (which isn't exactly what I was looking for), I think the value of this book can be gleaned from that article.
I was introduced to this book through a written interview with Kumai, and in it the fundamental concepts were outlined with brief descriptions. Ultimately, aside from some really nice recipes (which isn't exactly what I was looking for), I think the value of this book can be gleaned from that article.
July 29, 2019
I'm going to quickly preface this by saying that you shouldn't get the audiobook of this. The best part is definitely the recipes, and believe it or not audiobooks aren't the best format for taking those in.
That being said, other than the recipes, there isn't a whole lot in there. Kintsugi - the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold - is talked about briefly from a wellness perspective, but quite honestly it's been a month since I listened to this and I already forget what that perspective was so it didn't really stick with me at all. Most of Candice's other advice is pretty generic, and when she relates things to her own life it often feels weirdly hypocritical.
It wasn't really a bad listen, and Candice's attempts to work on herself and be a better person shine through, but I wouldn't say this is the sort of book I'd recommend to anyone. Other than the food stuff at the start. I really need to get a paper copy of that..
That being said, other than the recipes, there isn't a whole lot in there. Kintsugi - the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold - is talked about briefly from a wellness perspective, but quite honestly it's been a month since I listened to this and I already forget what that perspective was so it didn't really stick with me at all. Most of Candice's other advice is pretty generic, and when she relates things to her own life it often feels weirdly hypocritical.
It wasn't really a bad listen, and Candice's attempts to work on herself and be a better person shine through, but I wouldn't say this is the sort of book I'd recommend to anyone. Other than the food stuff at the start. I really need to get a paper copy of that..
January 6, 2019
Inspiration read for the New Year.
December 9, 2021
This book just made me smile. Thank you Candice for your story and for being you. At first, I was surprised to see recipes in the book but then that's who you are. So it's awesome that you brought your love for food, recipes, Japan and kintsugi all in one book..
You have definitely inspired me and now I feel like I have made the right choice to write my story about stress and anxiety and self-publish the book: a broken teacup: filling the cracks with mindfulness, essentialism and self-care.
You have definitely inspired me and now I feel like I have made the right choice to write my story about stress and anxiety and self-publish the book: a broken teacup: filling the cracks with mindfulness, essentialism and self-care.
December 4, 2022
This book was basically “Japanese culture is the best culture and does life right. Just do what Japanese people do. Here’s how to live like Japanese people.”
I didn’t feel like I got any great insight. It just felt a bit propaganda-y to me, even though obviously that’s not how the author meant it. Most cultures have beautiful wisdom that can help create a healthier, happier life so I didn’t appreciate the implication that the cure-all for all modern ails is to adopt Japanese culture.
I didn’t feel like I got any great insight. It just felt a bit propaganda-y to me, even though obviously that’s not how the author meant it. Most cultures have beautiful wisdom that can help create a healthier, happier life so I didn’t appreciate the implication that the cure-all for all modern ails is to adopt Japanese culture.
July 17, 2018
This book is an unexpected delight. The pictures are wonderful. The stories are fabulous and the recipes look delicious. It takes you away to japan.
Thank you to Goodreads and Candice Kumai for this book.
Thank you to Goodreads and Candice Kumai for this book.
September 4, 2018
I loved this! Particularly some of what she writes about health and Japanese traditions/concepts. The recipes are cute and simple--very Japanese-California fusion and all pescatarian (most are vegan actually).
May 13, 2018
I loved this book! Great recipes!
May 18, 2018
Candice beautifully intertwined her Japanese and tradition to a very practical modern day use to life. Her pictures are breathtaking and her stories equally heartwarming. Definitely worth a read.
June 27, 2018
A visually-appealing self-help book that will be of most appeal to someone who is unfamiliar with the concept of kintsugi. Just...a little too floofy for my tastes.
August 4, 2018
Such a fun read
I loved learning so beloved Japanese traditions. I was written from the heart is the way it felt for me. Some good recipes to learn.
I loved learning so beloved Japanese traditions. I was written from the heart is the way it felt for me. Some good recipes to learn.
August 11, 2018
4.5
Nicks wishes have come true- I finally want to visit Japan
Loved this! So much heart. And excited to try some of the recipes!
Nicks wishes have come true- I finally want to visit Japan
Loved this! So much heart. And excited to try some of the recipes!
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December 23, 2020Part travel guide, plug for balance and wholesome nutrition and part life philosophy mindset.
October 15, 2018
I love Candice Kumai. And Japan. This book not only was a good mental health read but gave me an even greater longing to visit the land of the rising sun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews