The Art of Japanese Living


Book Description

Learn the Japanese secrets to finding calm, contentment and happiness With its roots in Buddhist thinking, Japanese culture is known for its sincere and mindful approach to life. From ikigai (finding your purpose) to ikebana (the art of flower arranging), Japanese ideas offer the wider world the promise of peacefulness and inspiration. Discover these calming insights and more inside this beautiful volume. Including tips on mindfulness, finding contentment, and doing more with less, this book will be your guide to the land of the rising sun, and help you to live a rich, joyful and thoughtful life.




Be More Japan


Book Description

Whether you're dreaming about your first journey, revisiting the trip of a lifetime or simply in love with all things Japan, Be More Japan will transport you to this fascinating country. Dive into the thrilling and serene world of Shinto monks, street food vendors, anime characters, Okinawan centenarians, technological innovators, J-Pop megastars, ancient philosophers, onsen dwellers and so many more. There are so many ways to fall in love with Japan. It's home to one of the world's most unique cultures: a perfectly balanced celebration of past traditions; the vibrancy of now and the need to look fearlessly into the future. From architecture to martial arts; from ramen to robots; kawaii to Kusama; ikigai to ikebana; towering skyscrapers to shrines - Be More Japan uncovers the art and creativity behind modern Japanese living through its kaleidoscope of contrasting places, people and practices. With beautiful design throughout and with each page alive with facts, history and inspiration, Be More Japan invites you to absorb a little Japanese wisdom into your daily life.




Japan the Art of Living


Book Description

Gain insight into both modern and Japanese styles with this stunning Japanese interior design book. The Japanese traditional house defines Japanese style. The Japanese, however, being a practical and resourceful people, do not so limit themselves. They know that there are times when the spirit breaks the bounds of quiet simplicity. In more than 300 beautiful photographs of the homes of both Westerners and Japanese, this book presents the art of living with Japanese style, offering exciting new ideas and inspiration for all. Exquisite homes in the Tokyo area, focusing on original and attractive use of Japanese antiques and folk crafts, are showcased. Also included is the latest information on antique markets and hints for where to see the art of living--in galleries, textile and craft shops, and restaurants.




Living for the Moment


Book Description

"Published in conjunction with the exhibition Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California (October 11, 2015-April 3, 2016)"--Colophon.




The Art of Simple Living


Book Description

"Does for mental clutter what Marie Kondo has done for household clutter." --Publishers Weekly Relax and find happiness amid the swirl of the modern world with this internationally bestselling guide to simplifying your life by the renowned Zen Buddhist author of Don’t Worry. In clear, practical, easily adopted lessons--one a day for 100 days--renowned Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to teach you to Zen your life. Discover how . . . Lesson #4: lining up your shoes after you take them off can bring order to your mind; Lesson #11: putting down your fork after every bite can help you feel more grateful for what you have; Lesson #18: immersing yourself in zazen can sweep the clutter from your mind; Lesson #23: joining your hands together in gassho can soothe irritation and conflict; Lesson #27: going outside to watch the sunset can make every day feel celebratory; Lesson #42: planting a flower and watching it grow can teach you to embrace change; Lesson #67: understanding the concept of ichi-go ichi-e can make everyday interactions more meaningful; Lesson #85: practicing chisoku can help you feel more fulfilled. A minimalist line drawing appears opposite each lesson on an otherwise blank page, giving you an opportunity to relax with a deep breath between lessons. With each daily practice, you will learn to find happiness not by seeking out extraordinary experiences but by making small changes to your life, opening yourself up to a renewed sense of peace and inner calm. A PENGUIN LIFE TITLE




The Book of Ichigo Ichie


Book Description

Find happiness by living fully in the present with this definitive guide to ichigo ichie--the Japanese art of making the most of every moment--from the bestselling authors of Ikigai and The Four-Way Path. Every moment in our life happens only once, and if we let it slip away, we lose it forever--an idea captured by the Japanese phrase ichigo ichie (pronounced itchy-GO itchy-A). Often spoken in Japan when greeting someone or saying goodbye, to convey that the encounter is unique and special, it is a tenet of Zen Buddhism and is attributed to a sixteenth-century master of the Japanese tea ceremony, or "ceremony of attention," whose intricate rituals compel us to focus on the present moment. From this age-old concept comes a new kind of mindfulness. In The Book of Ichigo Ichie, you will learn to... appreciate the beauty of the fleeting, the way the Japanese celebrate the cherry blossoms for two weeks every April, knowing they'll have to wait a whole year to see them again; use all five senses to anchor yourself in the present, helping you to let go of fear, sadness, anger, and other negative emotions fueled by fixating on the past or the future; be alert to the magic of coincidences, which help us find meaning among the disconnected events of our lives; use ichigo ichie to help you discover your ikigai, or life's purpose--because it's only by learning to be present, to be tuned into what catches your attention and excites you in the moment, that you can identify what it is that most motivates you and brings you happiness. Every one of us contains a key that can open the door to attention, harmony with others, and love of life. And that key is ichigo ichie. A PENGUIN LIFE TITLE




Japanese Living


Book Description

Traditional Japanese architecture emphasizes economy of design and an unsurpassed sensitivity to the natural environment. And a traditional Japanese home with its freshly woven tatami mats, sliding shoji screens, and exposed wooden beams is the height of this art form. This study reveals a unique aesthetic through stunning photographs and insightful descriptions. Discover the simple proportions based on the square of the tatami mat; the fluid floor plan created by movable screens; the rich textures from the combination of indigenous woods, straw, and paper; and the use of nature itself to enhance the home. This beautifully photographed book captures the essence of Japanese architectural elegance, whether at a traditional inn, an imperial villa, or a garden pavilion.




The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up


Book Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The book that sparked a revolution and inspired the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: the original guide to decluttering your home once and for all. ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOKS OF THE DECADE—CNN Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list). With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home—and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.




Ikigai


Book Description




The Art of Japanese Living: 29 Concepts That Will Transform Your Life


Book Description

Dive deeper into the heart of Japanese philosophy with this comprehensive guide to living a more balanced, intentional life. Explore the nuances of Ikigai, your reason for being, and discover how it intertwines with concepts like Wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection, and Mono no Aware, the gentle sadness of transience. Uncover the power of Kaizen, the art of continuous improvement, and see how it can transform your personal and professional life. Delve into the mindfulness practices of Zen and the focused dedication of Shojin, finding joy in concentrated effort. This book goes beyond mere explanations, offering practical exercises, real-world case studies, and a 30-day action plan to integrate these profound concepts into your daily routine. Whether you're facing challenges at work, seeking personal growth, or simply yearning for a more meaningful existence, the timeless wisdom of Japan provides a roadmap to a more fulfilled life. From the art of Kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with gold, learn to embrace your flaws and turn adversity into beauty. Explore the concept of Ma, the space between, and discover how to find peace in the pauses of life. With insights on Japanese aesthetics, mindfulness practices, and philosophical concepts, this book offers a holistic approach to living that resonates with the challenges of our modern world. It's not just about understanding these ideas - it's about embodying them, letting them reshape your perspective and guide your actions. Embark on this transformative exploration of Japanese wisdom. Your path to a more intentional, balanced, and deeply satisfying life starts here. Are you ready to unlock the secrets that have guided generations towards harmony, purpose, and inner peace?