Minimalism: The Japanese Art of Declutter to Organize Your Home Life

by Kiku Katana

We work to the point of extreme exhaustion. Everyone is just too rushed, hurried, and stressed. We alleviate our stress by shopping for more stuff, binge eating, and engaging in time-wasting activities. We fill our lives with needless activities, relationships, and clutter. This makes us lose sense of who we really are and what’s important to us.
This is the reason why the Japanese people have developed a lifestyle that strips away the inessential things in their lives. It’s called minimalism. In this book, you’ll find proven strategies on how to practice minimalism.
Here are just some of the benefits…
Scroll up and buy the book now! Take action and experience the power of minimalism!

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Japanese Literature

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2018

Reviews

[Selmaoui Salma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to read while cleaning your room.

[Walaa 1988 · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب مفيد و ممتع
انصح فيه👍🏻

[Audiblelovers.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

#declutter; #minimalism;
—————-
Spoilers ahead.

I am only “reading“ audibles/ audiobooks.

Unfortunately I have only listened to one audiobook where audible used chapters with detail informations.
That was Taylor‘s We are Legion (We are Bob).
Yes a scifi novel/ audiobook.

This is no exception. It would be helpful if audible would use chapters with additional infos in the future.
Helpful in non-fiction books.

I liked the book. I am still too messy and my collectible gene is still there... This is my first book of this kind - minimalism/ decluttering/ cleaning/ Danshari/ Ikigai.
I listened to Wiking‘s “Hygge“ which is more like the opposite and I didnt like it at all.
Although the Scandinavian death cleaning (“dö städning“) seems also interesting I cant see anything helpful in hygge, lykke, sisu, lagom, fika, kalsarikännit (“pantsdrunk“). All from the northern European area and all about getting happier.

Coming to minimalism: All you need to know according to this audible:

Chapter 1-3 (= Chapter I)
steps to get you on pass
1. List the current commitments that you may have
2. Set priorities for those responsibilities from most to least essential
3. Eliminit the least essential ones in sequence
4. Start the process every month after the point you are only doing things which give the most value.
5. Say “no“ to things which move you in the direction that you would like to go.
6. Sincerely ask yourself if you honestly need something

term “Danshari“:
Danshari (断捨離), or if you like the art of decluttering, is a Japanese concept that is gaining more and more popularity (although it is about less and less). The term is difficult to translate and it’s composed of three ideograms (断捨離), meaning “refuse”, “dispose” and “separate”. In a conventional sense, it is rendered as “cleaning” or “tidying up”.

Marie Kondō “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying (=Magic Cleaning)“ is mentioned. English & German available.
Very popular book. Also an audible.
Mentionable “Spark Joy“, a new book by Kondō.

“You have succeeded in life when all you really want
is only what you really need.“
Vernon Howard

Chapter 4 (= Chapter II): ...

Chapter 5:
With what to start:
Old Magazins, expired coupons, wallet content, newsletters; creditcards; smartphone (extreme); change your commute pass; plastic bags; social media; eating less & healthier; less liquor; less nicotine; less drugs; less computer games; reduce the todo-list; desktop screen cleaning (icons); less debt; DVDs/ CDs/ books; collections of whatever; shop less & buy online; scan & shred all paperwork; use cloud services; clean your wardrobe; 4-day-work-week (!).

Messys and persons with the socalled collective gene....

A child could have a new toy after decluttering another...

Tell about your experiences & advantages. Don’t advice.

Chapter 6 (= Chapter IV): outfits; btw videos from e.g. Marie Kondō can be found on youtube; ebook reader; books; CDs; DVDs; kitchen; bathroom; car;

Chapter 7&8 (= Chapter V & VI): storage systems; pets

Chapter 9 (= Chapter VII): 50 quick tips:
make an inventory for everything; live in a smaller house; go to an event with one vehicle; rent rather than buy; don’t be too spartan; repurge; discard what you didnt use for the last 12months; eat out less; bicycle; walk; sell your clutter; taking care of business; minimal lifestyle; resist in post-buying; do go shopping hungry; use a thirty day list what to buy;
only keep multi-purpose items; use the library; frugal exercise/ workout; public transportation; try to stay healthy; frugal approaches to give gifts; reduce liquor; quit smoking; drink water; batch to save time; stop the use of the credit card; cancel email subscriptions; stay at home; do things yourself; make your own things; avoid convenience food; travel using frugal means; stop paying interests; cut your own hair; cut phone calls; avoid holiday promotions; maintain things; cut down social media use; plan ahead; est less sugar; cook in advance; wash your clothes less; save on gas; save on groceries;

Chapter 10-12 (= Chapter VIII-X): results; success stories (also in history); conclusion

Chapter 13 (= Chapter XI): interval fasting - advertising for another audiobook (!)

I havent read Marie Kondō The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying-Up (= Magic Cleaning). Btw it is also available as a manga.
“Do it once and get it over with.“

Strange was that 80% (4of5) of the recessions on audible.com were written by listeners who received a free copy for a honest review.

Most popular audibles for this topic:
Minimalism/ Decluttering
• Millburn’s Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life (2011)
• Kondō‘s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying (2011)

[aloverofstories · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It was short, quick, and informative. I recently finished Marie Kondo's The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, so a lot of what was in Katana's book wasn't new anymore, but I still liked it. I listened to the audiobook and wished I had a physical copy so I could mark and highlight the parts I liked.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was clearly published to capitalize on the success of Marie Kondō and Fumio Sasaki and subsequent publicity surrounding Japanese minimalism and decluttering. It also opens up with the typical moralizing you hear from so many minimalists about how everyone is miserable because We Live In A Society. But Katana distinguishes herself by taking a more holistic approach that includes topics such as health, recreation, pets, finances, transportation, paying for services, and food consumption. At a little over 100 pages (or about 3 hours audio), this is nevertheless an introductory text only. Concepts are introduced but not explored in-depth and she presumes the reader is already a fairly tidy person. She also gets overly prescriptive at times - for example, telling us we shouldn't have decorative shells in the bathroom. But still a good option if you're looking for a short audiobook.

[Amanda Fanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of it is weird, but an overall good kick in the pants to motivate you to a simpler life with stuff.

[ANNEstories · Rating 2 out of 5]

First half was okay then the other sounded like a list of instructions on how to live your life minimally.

It doesn’t really gave me new concepts to take. She quoted known minimalists from Sasaki, Kondo, Jobs, Einstein, et al.

Same stuff like: Experience over material things.
Decluttering is freeing.
Phones are distractions, time-fillers.


„“
Frugality is finance, minimalism pertains to space.

It’s not about how little one has, but the way it makes one feel.

It is better to have less to worry abt in case of a disaster.

Freedom from the things that you own that you don’t necessarily need which clogs they physical and mental spaces.

Minimalist mindset is reduction accdg to priorities.

Many people spend money they haven’t earned- to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like. ~Rogers

Debt keeps you ineffective and complicates simple life.

Distance yourself while you build discipline.

The secret to happiness is having the capacity to enjoy less, not more. -Socrates

[Lila Adhikari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably did not pick the most popular book on minimalism but five stars for the concept. I could relate this one to my younger sister who validates and appreciates everything that I do (;. I have always loved simplicity and minimalism is one form of it.

[Rooz Izadi (Spacewalk) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, I found most of it too basic and obvious. Nevertheless I think If you are a "collector/accumulator" kind of person and totally new to minimalism, this book could be a good, simple beginner guide on how to declutter your mind, relationships, physical environment, and digital content.

Intentionality is the core of minimalism, and freedom is the main outcome. You have succeeded in life when what you really want is only what you really need. Detachment is the key to freedom.

[Cristina Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good aproach to minimalism. It wasn't too extreme, and it had a few good ideas. Maybe a bit simple but I liked it.

[Jade Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was good listened to the free audiobook on YouTube thouraghly enjoyed it had some good tips for leading a minimalist lifestyle

[Fitria Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hah I never thought I would read a self help book. There's never such thing of "never" or it will come back at you to bite you in the ass. ha ha ha. Though some the ideas on how to live in minimalism life in this book are little bit bizarre, but it always amused me to read such odd ideas can be offered. If there's no such an odd idea being offered, human life will never evolve. There's no wrong or right in offering an idea.
It is always my nature to be a minimalist (or essentialist?) but this 'new' It lifestyle of minimalism, brought me to another level of being minimalist. Ha ha ha. I'm no longer attempt to buy more things. If I want to buy a thing I become more thoughtful and intentional because if I have one new thing I have to give away one thing too if it serves the same purpose. I don't any longer wonder and want the life of people who buy the newest sophisticated gadgets, the trendiest, expensive branded things like cloths, shoes (I LOVE Shoes), or bags. Or even cosmetic (it is just another shade of red lipstick) and skincare (Aish those 10 steps skincare to achieve glass skin or whatever (well the dark spots at my face are kind of the art of Wabi Sabi wkzz) doesn't entertain me anymore). Keep everything as minimal as possible either it is skincare, things I wear, or even human connections. Ha ha ha
I think the thing I want to declutter the most is the past. HA HA HA

[Richard Angelus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find that this book is helpful: 1) as an introduction if you haven’t read any of the minimalist books (one of the definitions of a minimalist that I like is someone who “keeping things very simple”); 2) to remind us that we are living in a very consumeristic society that wants more and so we must examine ourselves and control our impulses to be passive consumers; and 3) the approach to extend the philosophy holistically in our lives not just our dealing with things or stuff is seem unique to Kiku for she also talks about health, finance, and food consumptions. Other than that, it is similar to other books (and most of the popular authors are from Japan, the same culture). Understandably, the subject of minimalism is not that broad and straight to the point. If you ‘get’ the philosophy, then, the execution is a matter of context, purpose, and experience.

To read my somewhat review of this book, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/04...

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love tips and tricks regarding Minimalism and all aspects of life, where you could apply it.

Anyway, nothing particularly new here. Some tips to minimize your life are sounding heartless and utterly unpractical. To give you a few examples:
- go to events with one car (well, who would go to events with two or more cars, if you could fit in one car?)
- use a couch table also as a worktable (that is utterly unpractical, isn’t it? what about your back? I imagine that’ll hurt eventually)
- frugal approaches to gifting (you should basically make something for your loved ones instead of buying things … well I can imagine how popular you will be, if you gift (poorly) self-made stuff)
- “30. stay at home”, so that you can minimize risks. (I’d say, we nailed that one in 2020)
- make your own things (easier said than done)
- cut your own hair (alright then)

Overall, this book might be for you, if you haven't been in contact with Minimalism at all.

[Megan]

the author is a little bossy, but it was all the reminders I needed to hear. find what matters, eliminate the rest. if you have a greater purpose, live it, not for the money or glory but because humans are made for more than consuming material goods through buying them with earned money.
live a little smaller so you can live bigger and realize the freedom that comes from less, b/c it reinforces the belief that other 'things' matter. it becomes self-propelling- by having less, I'll go outside more, I'll rest more, I'll skip the distractions that make me think my life is full so I have space to fill it with actually fulfilling 'things'. constant vigilance! I needed the reminder, and the quotes at the start of chapters were well chosen.
thanks Kiku Katana.
(if you want practical guidance, Marie Kondo is still prime, and then google minimalism and go ham on what the philosophy is behind it, b/c a book can only give a sliver of what it can offer).

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been listening to this audiobook off and on while working through other denser reads. At some point, one does get to feel there is a same old, same old feel to this type of title especially and yes, that can be said here. Yet it is good for some people like myself to revisit these titles as they do help to push me back on the declutter road and/or attempted path to minimalism. The process must be ongoing and I am constantly reminded of that fact.

The book is well written and if you have not read any books of this type I would recommend it as a helpful title. If you have read other books of this type, there is most likely nothing new here but it is a nice refresher. There are many books to choose from in this category and many of those books have more personality and are less sterile in their presentation. Taking into account the focus of the book, one’s mindset while reading it will factor in as did mine while working through it. The content by itself is 5 star.

[Кака с книги · Rating 2 out of 5]

Темата на аудио книгите през Март официално е МИНИМАЛИЗМЪТ. Новата религия на XXI век. Забелязвам, че хората все по-малко се вманиачават по духовни движения както през 90-те; и все повече към течение подобно на това, веганизма, екологията и тн. Дали прекаляването с много хубаво е на хубаво? В случая минимализмът е свързан с философията на Япония много тясно. Но, дали сурогатно пренесена като при нас, Западните общества би "покълнала", или би станала "ялова" подобна философия. Съмненията ми за нашето и Западното общество са от различен ъгъл. Ние, "отсам" свикнали исторически да "кътаме", "крием", "запазваме" за черни дни. Защото знаем какво е да нямаш, но не по твой избор. И те, "оттатък", свикнали на свърхконсумаризъм, изведен до екстремност. Сега, в другата крайност. Икономическите кризи, които лишават човекът от средна класа от възможност за собствен избор над начина си на живот. Не знам защо се сетих за този сегмент от едно шоу на Джордж Карлин, звучащо плашещо актуално и днес. Все се питам какво ли щеше да каже, ако беше жив? Вероятно, "казах ви, копелета"!
The upper class keeps all of the money, pays none of the taxes. The middle class pays all of the taxes, does all of the work. The poor are there just to scare the shit out of the middle class... keep on showing up at those jobs. (George Carlin, Our Similarities).

[Liz Mendoza · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started strong, presenting ideas on minimalism. It emphasized that minimalism is not deprivation but moderation. It is not black and white, and there is no specific number of things that you should own or what items you should not purchase. It depends on what is valuable to the individual and how he becomes intentional with all his purchases and practices.

However, I had to give a low rating since the book takes a turn and banks on the idea of Marie Kondo, rather than expanding its own. It also gives some examples that I do not agree with such as eating only one meal a day, to save money and lose weight. There is a difference between being frugal and being a cheapskate.

[Taty K · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you read Marie Kondo's book "The Life‑Changing Magic of Tidying Up," there will be a lot of repetition here. Both authors are Japanese, and later on, Kiku Katana also quotes Marie Kondo. So, I wonder if some of the approaches both of them share steam from Japanese religion and/or culture?

I assume that the book is for someone who really starts out understanding the concepts of minimalism, awareness, and mindfulness. You are not the right audience if you are already familiar with those concepts.

I listened to the audiobook while cleaning. Otherwise, I would not have finished it.

[-Curious- · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well thought out and well presented book. It shows the differences between common opinions and what the philosophy truly is. Presenting ways to approach, ideas to consider & why, all approached in a think-things-through, and only then, adopt if it matches your goals.

It is not a 'this is the only way to succeed' book. It is a book of ideas with a no pressure, no deadline approach that is do-able.

I like its philanthropic vs. 'throw it all away' approach.

A book I would recommend to all that are interested in learning more about its subject.

[Suzanne Kramb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to 'Minimalism' while at work and found it helped me relax and feel calmer, which almost seems kind of silly (but I'll take good vibes wherever I can get them). I'm definitely feeling inspired to go through each section of my home with intention. It's important to remember that everyone's minimalism will look different because it's unique to them and what they value the most. "You have succeeded in life when what you really want is what you really need"-Vernon Howard

[Nicki Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear concise guide to help get anyone started with decluttering and beginning to lead a more minimalist and intentional life. This book keeps the concept of starting to lead a more minimalist lifestyle simple and less extreme than some of the other minimalism/decluttering books with simple steps to follow. #minimalism #kikukatana #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #goodreads #bookstagram #bookqueen

[Chethana Royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a key insight about the concept through example of our daily life and how we can achieve them in few areas. I agree changing few habits might really bring a difference in the quality of life we spend. We can take few from this book and make progress. Goodread for once and can be taken as introductory to the concept of minimalism.

[Kamakshi Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn’t contain much substance or original thought. A couple of the chapters were literally just summaries of Marie Kondo’s (much better written and more thoughtful) famous book. Some of the suggestions were actively unhelpful and later contradicted (“Get rid of your smartphone” only to be suggested later “get a kindle to cut down on book clutter”)

[Andrew Borg · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book about minimalism it sure repeated certain assertions quite a few times... Joking aside.. it's a good beginner's book on minimalism: not in the sense that the tips or suggestions are by any means easy to implement in the beginning (there's a mix), but rather in the sense that it helps those who've only just begun exploring this philosophy to understand it better.

[Irene Adler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Page 50 rule applied at page 14.

This books is might have great content if you can be bothered wading though the poor editing / typesetting / proof reading or whatever it is. There were whole paragraphs that were incomprehensible even after multiple reads. The sentences don't make sense.

You be the judge.

[Ana on the Shelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads like a copy and pasteof other ideas already out there on the matter and don't offer any new light on the topic.
Yet for someone starting on the Minimalism journey or just researching lightly the topic this may be useful.

[Tiffany Luo · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not a real book, instead, it is a Digest of Minimalism Knowledge. It shows that the author doesn't really get the inner logic of minimalism, and thus put cause and result upside-down. It is also rather rare to see complains and blame in a book talking about Zen.

[Tasneem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. Ideas I've heard of before via Marie Kondo, The Minimalists and other online experts.
However, I liked the way the book explained the difference between minimalism and frugalism, and I enjoyed the Japanese cultural references.

[Gregg Puluka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that is worth reading. It definitely has parts that are way oversimplified and portions that are wholesale off the mark for living within society but she does say that.

By and large it’s great ideas with a great concept. Definitely reading more on this topic