My mother taught me a rule to help stay organized. “Everything has a place, everything in its place.” This implies if something doesn’t have a place, maybe it doesn’t belong 😊
If I run out of room for the new thing, I must remove an old thing to make the space. And try to remember, your stuff will require stuff to be maintained....it is a terrible trap!😮😮
it's a pity that my husband's mother did't teach him the same, so only way to keep house clean and neat for me is to get rid of husband and kid (though kid is just too small to be taught such a wise things)
If I am in a store and see something that i want to impulse buy....i just carry it around until i leave store, then put it back. By the time I leave i realize that I don't need that item.
That's what I do...😂 And the entire time I have the item in the cart I think to myself do i really need it? And before I leave i have decided that it looks better on the store shelf then at my house!😂
I am from India. Being on the job that requires me to be away from home and need to travel for job, i needed a guide to teach me how to stay minimalist. Your videos have taught me a LOT. Now realise i need very little to be happy. Infact lesser possessions have give me much greater peace and happiness. Keep posting such valuable videos.
Amazing. Years ago when I began my studies in Buddhism, I threw out all my furniture and everything I felt I did not need, including cell phone. Everyone warned me that my life would be awful because I threw too much out...but I became happier than ever, and more focused on my true passion in life.
Consumerism is a very powerful thing. It’s important to constantly follow and inspire by people like you who talk about intentional living and minimalism. It’s not easy. I love your tips.
@@potbellyfatguyfromnewyorkcity marketing's goal is to promote the mindset that is consumerism (in order to earn someone a profit). Consumerism is deeper and can be caused by marketing, comparison, and more.
I feel like I’ve been “barraged “ for so many years with it just from TV, feel like it’s worse now for youth on Social Media Hopefully more people find that less is more thanks to these videos
I have just discovered Aki, and my heart is singing. I can’t wait to start my list and get things moving OUT of my house!! This is brilliant! ❤️❤️ off to watch more!
I practice the ‘ one in one out’ rule too! Not just to avoid impulse purchases but also remind myself to carefully think whether something is worth purchasing
*If you love Japanese culture, you might like my music! You can listen to it for example on my channel! Thank you for the attention and have an amazing day! 😊*
find some good hobby. It helps you save a lot of money. like doing garden, reading books, hunting, fishing, yoga, meditation, and doing gym. If you have hobby like, shopping, smoking, drinking, hanging out with friends partying, using drugs, so on, it gonna cost you a lot of money.
I have a few tricks that keeps my home quite light: - When I want to buy something non-essential, wait 10 days first. Then if it still makes sense after 10 days, get it. - When I get my salary, I pay my bills, set aside some money for food, and then I transfer the rest to another bank and save it in index-funds. When I have just enough for food + a few restaurant-visits easily available, I focus on making that money last. And I dont feel like using any more.
same here- i always wait to buy something even if i think i might need it. i dont buy something if i dont miss that thing after some days! also, i throw out things that's labelled " i might need this someday", clothes that i dont wear in a year.. really enjoy this very nice video!
Thank you for this inspiring video. I retired two years ago and have started eliminating items that I no longer need, such as clothes that I used to wear to work. Unloading such items helps me move onto a new chapter in my life. I feel lighter, less burdened.
After watching many of your wonderful videos I decided to start becoming a minimalist. I found myself trying too many things at once though and found myself failing. I then made a rule for myself that I would focus on two things at a time. Currently the first goal I am working on is getting myself up at 4 in the morning. This is difficult as I suffered from sleep insomnia so I had no regular schedule. I had an aha moment after realizing this and made staying up for 16 hours my goal. I then plan to walk back my wake up time little by little until I reach 4 am as you suggested. The second goal is getting rid of my excess items. I have set a 30 day challenge for myself that I must get rid of one thing a day. I may buy one item for myself if I get rid of three items. (there is something I need to deal with a bug infestation that I currently have.) . I want to thank you for your wonderful videos. They are always pleasant and quite inspiring. Bless you whoever may be reading this and may you all have a wonderful life.
I have a rule that helps with cleaning--not necessarily with accumulation. The rule is "Never go anywhere empty-handed." When you move from one room to another, bring along with you objects that don't belong in the room you are leaving, and move them closer to the room where they belong. It is the single most powerful technique I have found for keeping the house tidy.
Yep I do this too and sometimes I have to go to 5 rooms, start the dishwasher and clean some pots or pans, and maybe even start a load of laundry or put clothes away to get it all cleaned up.
Use multi functionnal things , like one soap to wash my body, hair and hands in the bathing room, one fork to eat all my meals , one cleaning product to clean the house 😁
Trash attracts trash! You’re right, I learnt that a while ago….lately I got my cubby house cut down, binned. Donated a bbq, outdoor settings, and I move items into sections and get rid of the excess. I put my mirrors up, painted some of the kitchen and fence. I think more along the lines ‘how much time do I have to do these things?’ Much love as always from Australia 🇦🇺 keep up the great work!
Everything you say are words of wisdom! I think they are common advice valid to all people around the world, but they seem to have forgotten them. I am an Orthodox Christian from Greece (also a high school teacher-teach religion-in a small town) and I highly appreciate your videos that teach practical things that a man should know for a balanced life. Also I like your charismatic way of expression. Keep up the good work!
I borrow items from family members so that I don't add more stuff in the house. Your tips are great, Aki! You are one of my favorite minimalist youtubers to watch. Even if some of your videos are not about minimalism, I still enjoy watching them.
Ware-Tada-Taruo-Shiru is something I’ve always felt. I’ve been using a Japanese futon and tatami mat for over a year now. And I use/possess only a few items in everything in my life. Now I’m glad to find a term that actually fits what I’ve felt
Thank you for this video. It helps a lot to have all of these tips summarized. One of my personal rules for buying, which also goes with "buy what sparks joy" is : always know where your money is going/to whom are you giving your money. It encourages me to spend only for things that matter to me, for example local businesses, artists, small cinemas or cafes, and encourage this type of local, small and slower production in my everyday life.
I enjoyed this video. I’ve spent the last 3 days decluttering and was hesitating with my collection of cds. But I haven’t really played them for years. They spark memories which I think is a bit different from joy. So I’m going to play each one and say goodbye to them. I love how a good declutter makes the space around me and my body feel so clean. However, letting go of my books would require counselling! 😊
good for you! I used to listen to movie soundtracks at work; once I was retired I realized I didn't need that "escape hatch" any more and donated them. 😉
recently i’ve been a little overwhelmed with desire to buy more things & your videos always help me to calm down. whenever i watch your videos, i become more grateful for things i already have. thank you
Having been brought up in a 3d-world country, frugality has been a part of me. But I am still finding new ways to be even more frugal. I need outlets for my artistic nature and I am very organized but being a minimalist has been hard. I have decorated my home in the Old World Mediterranean/French Country style which doesn't exactly scream minimalist. Thank you for the suggestions which keep me motivated and will not stop trying till I have reached my goal.
Being a minimalist is good for people with too much clutter. For people from poor countries being a minimalist just looks poor I think. I have relatives in Nigeria. They only laugh about minimalistic lifestyle. They need things. A lot.😊
Actually, the repair on the shoe looks beautiful because rather than just carelessly slapping on a patch, you took the time to make said repair look beautiful and in a lovely shape. What is not to like about someone respecting their old shoes?
Unfortunately, modern sneakers only live so long before the molecular connections weaken. In addition, it’s not the sole that suffers the most, but the outer part, which cracks, and the inner one under your feet, which gets ruined by your weight when you run and loses shape, becoming harmful for your foot.
I've adapted a different mindset about the things, I own: First, I stopped viewing them as just tools, I use. I now see it, as having relationships with not only the items, but also their history: Everything was made with someone's labour and with resources our beautiful world gave. I want to respect, what went into every item, be it as little as a pencil. I now think, that it's disrespectful to nature and all the workers, to own more, than we need and to treat their products careless. Whenever I take something new in, I'm getting responsible for it and all the work and resources and energy, that went into creating them. So, I try to think about "What will happen to that item, when I no longer need it? Can I give it to someone else to bring value into their life? Can I recycle it to reuse the resources? Second, I realised, that I don't need to posses something, to appreciate it. There are so many beautiful things in the world. I don't need to purchase them or bring them into my home, just to show my appreciation for them. I realised this while picking flowers. Why are we picking them? Then they are dying slowly in our homes, where only few can appreciate them for a short time. Let them be and let them live, where they are, for everyone to enjoy them!
I like your life style as well as your kind talking. I am so glad to find your channel. I am Korean and I hope Japanese people are happy too. Thank you for your sharing your life style.
I have long lived a pretty simple and minimal life. I pretty much do everything you talked about, other than counting everything and making a pie chart 😅 I have a "one-in, two-out rule." Empty drawers, cupboards, closets, and one entire bedroom make me happy. I believe in "cluttered house, cluttered mind." There is pretty much nothing I want and very little I need. I prefer to spend my money on experiences and lunches with friends.
I love the fact that you give trough your lifestyle everything a meaning and everything got automatically more worth. I try to teach that to my kids too👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The “one-in/one-out” rule is one I’ve done for a while. It doesn’t help me minimize, but it does keep me from having more than I need. The repair idea with metals is a great one. One that I want to try very much. I just started my minimalist journey this month and am looking forward to seeing where this takes me. You are a true inspiration.❤️
I don't know why but i always somehow depend on your videos, old or new. Like it's one of the things that motivate me on my minimalist lifestyle. Always eager to see more videos in the future. Thank you, Aki!
Ware-Tada-Taruo-Shiru describes exactly what I want to be as a minimalist - Content. I also like the rule of buying only what sparks joy, and will be always used
Thank you so much Aki! I learned a lot from your videos. I totally agree with you, less is more, contentment is not achieved by having lots of stuff, it is achieved by enjoying the existing stuff that you have. Keep it up Aki! You always have our support!
That got me into action. I looked over at the shelf next to where I was watching this video, and realized there were things there that I no longer wanted. One thing led to another. It turned out to be a bigger task than I thought. I'll finish up tomorrow. By rearranging things in this room, I freed up space to move things out of another room. This will give my new housemate a lot more space and privacy.
When I feel the need to buy something, I put in on a list and wait 30 days and when I still want it I buy it. Good against impulse buying 👍🏻 love your video’s Aki, thnx for sharing.
I so love your philosophy on life. Your students are very lucky to have you as a teacher. I hope you instill in them your philosophy of minimalism. Your beautiful words, I simply know what is enough, is my new mantra for life. Greetings from Chicago.
As an American, whose favourite pass time is shopping, this was very helpful. Going to live in Israel where apartments are smaller and neatness is admired, tu for these helpful tips.
Thank you! I really needed this video! Been having this constant feeling for wanting something new (as a minimalist person this feeling's been really irritating me) and watching this video reminded me to take a deep breath and stay calm, constant and present. It wasn't me who wanted all those things but the narratives from the outside made me think so for a moment. So huge thank you for making me feel more grounded again!
I borrowed my bf pen yesterday. Writing with it was more than smooth. I thought about buying it, or asking him if he has more of these pens, but i have a lot of stationary. After this video I realised that I don't use many of my pens because they are uncomfortable to write with. I guess we're saying bye to all of them and inviting one new. Also thanks for motivating me to clean my room.... It is pretty messy after a hard week
I have a box of pens that are fine but that I don't use, and your comment helped me realise that the reason is the same - they are not nice to use, but I keep them in case I need them. Maybe time for me to say goodbye to my pens too 😊
I've been living a relatively minimal livestyle for years but after I discovered your channel a few days ago, I became very inspired and have managed to get rid of a surprising amount of stuff. The one in, one out rule is definitely something I'm going to start practicing. Thank you for the great content and the inspiration, keep it up!
Oh I love this! I really like the advice about "some day" items. Sometimes I do think, "Oops, I should have kept that thing." But every time that happens I realize I can make do with something else.
Just listening to Samurai Matcha made me happy. the video is so well presented and one looks forward to the calming effect of minimal material belongings.
I love stationary and physical art supplies. But they pile up fast too... So I set the rule of not buying more than which fits into drawer x. Works 95% of the time, it only piles up a little more when I get gifts, such as on Christmas and for birthday. After I´ve shopped too much of this stuff during the last months a shopping ban for the rest of the years works fine so far.
As a recovering hoarder some of the habits are what I'm trying to do. I seriously question my buying habits of non-consumables and ponder on them for a while (whether it would be a few days or a few months), during which time I set aside money for that purchase. As for seasonal items like sweaters, winter coats, shorts, sandals I try to stick to only a few of those items. I also try to repair things before I have to replace them. If it's longer than a 10 minute repair for clothes or a few hours for certain items though, because I know I would procrastinate on it, I would have to replace it. I also recently talked to my therapist about replacing some furniture in my house and brought up the whole throw/donate 1 or 2 items habit. She sounded a bit concerned that I wasn't downsizing more (I want to donate a 2 seat love seat and armchair that we have and replace it with a 3 seat couch). It made me feel like I was doing it wrong when I was considering it. We moved into a place with no furniture and was gifted 2 love seats and 2 armchairs. We currently use 1 of each because they're comfortable as heck but the other 2 items are very stiff and feel like they're meant for the living room that was kept to the side and only used when company was over. I think my therapist believes if I do the 1 or 2 out for everything that comes in (preferably in the same category) that I might go back on the same habit of hoarding.
Such a fresh perspective that I simply needed to hear to start my minimal lifestyle. Got bored of the other similar lists about minimalism. Glad I found your channel for having original content that I could apply in practical life. Keep making more videos.👍 Thank you so much, Aki!
Totally agree with knowing what you have!👏👏 I actually bought the sane item a couple of times as I don't know I already have it! That started me on the journey to tidy and group my things
When I see something I don't really need, but just want, I usually wait a month. Then, most of the time, after a month has passed, I find I really don't want it anymore.
Hello, I am from Germany. I realy want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Actually, I am in a lifecrisis at the Moment. Your Videos, your love to life and your inspirationally way of living helps me a lot to gain new hope and joy in my life. I will add some of your ideas and advices to my life. For exemple, I want to learn the Tea ceremony to focus more on the Moment. Please continue with your great work. ありがとうございました (I hope this is spelled right 😊)
Thank you! I'm not minimalist and I don't know Japanese but I copied the characters for "I simply know what is enough" - it really speaks to me. I love the emptiness of your dwelling, and your kimono. And your smile!
Reuse things and buy multipurpose things that solve multiple tasks using a single product. Buy clothes that can be worn in multiple ways and in different weather.
I came across your youtube Channel..i wanted to be a minimalist at some point but because of i have so many hobbies, i have a lot of stuff. 😅 so i appreciate u and those who are minimalist out there..
I love your videos. This is my second one I’ve watched & already I’m changing tiny things. I spend time just looking around to see what I can do without. I guess the hardest thing is throwing away things that were expensive but I’m already clearing out some of it. I also never leave a room empty handed.
SO Beautiful thank you!! I was thinking as I watched that some habits work for me and others might not because I have a different lifestyle and goals and this made me feel happy and grateful because I honor who I am. I love hearing "it's beautiful to me becasue I tried my best" this is very powerful. Thank you for being you and sharing and teaching.
Hi, Aki, thank you for sharing, very useful ideas! I agree: trash likes to meet trash…I’ll bring the card boards away immediately ☺ and on my walks I’m picking up items, too, but I could do that more often. Don’t be too hard, if you think you’ll really use the winter kimono, it’s ok… Winters can be cold. And you can show us, what a winter kimono is… Love, Monika❣
The “one thing in, one thing out” is quite satisfying and really works for me. If I buy a large item, then two things get thrown out. Thank you for your videos !😊
Thank you, Aki. I think the most helpful thing for me has been a mental state of non-attachment. I was never very materialistic, but had a typical home full of nice things (paintings, Persian rugs, antiques, etc.). On discovering minimalism I let go of a lot of things and then moved overseas and let go of everything (donated or thrown out). For years I lived comfortably in serviced apartments with very little that was my own. On returning to the UK, I have intentionally brought a few more things into my life. Very beautiful but very inexpensive (e.g. furnishing with plants; soft paper lighting). A single print in what passes for my tokonoma. But I know I could pack the two suitcases again and the box of books and leave everything else behind if that seemed right. I did though buy a superb Japanese petty knife! And I would take that with me. I do indeed use it everyday. Do you need to sharpen yours? Mine is still very new, so this has not been an issue.
Your first point just perfectly explained the universal dirty clothes chair that we all have. Thanks for the video, I love watching them because they're so calming and motivating. Your English is also very good, it must be difficult to learn! I studied Japanese for a few years in Highschool, but it was very hard for me, so I stopped studying it so I could focus on my other subjects. I would love to continue learning the language. I'm looking forward to your next video. :)
I live in a tiny house of 9 square meters, so I cannot overdo it with the shopping and also, people cannot gift me things that take up space. A good housecleaning at every start of the season is also very useful for those who are on their way to living a minimalist life, and for those like me who like to keep stuff for projects waiting (and waiting some more!) to happen.
Thanks for the good advice! I always try to think of a good way of giving an item one final round of usage, instead of just throwing it in the bin. For example cutting up a plastic bag that has a beautiful pattern, folding the plastic in a special manner and wrapping a gift with it.
Thanks for inspiration! Yes, in our house we’re working to incorporate the one in one out rule. We also don’t waste food. Keeps the fridge less congested.
I have a funny true story. I recently moved across country and the shipping company that was moving my furniture took many weeks to make the trip while I had taken a jet and was there in a day. So I had a month to live in an empty apartment and…loved it. When the moving company arrived and began brining in all my boxes and furniture, I actually cried…and NOT from joy. That was a huge lesson for me and ever since I’ve been on an intense path to minimalism. (Love your videos)
I am from the state of telangana, indian nation. After along days I seen most use full content in your vedios. You are more admirable.. Thank you brother,, for sharing a great knowledge with us. Which make us to see inside of us
Thanks for the video! The one-in-one out rule is something I use all the time. If you get in the habit of asking “what will this replacing”while shopping often times you won’t buy it. Another rule for buying is to delay purchases by a predetermined time. Often you find once the time is up you changed your mind and item is no longer needed. You can use lists or a diary if needed to keep track of. Thanks for the great video. I’m pretty good with minimalism but watching these videos on occasion always help me stay focused and motivated.
After I broke up with someone after a crappy 10 year relationship, I counted my items. 581 of my own, with about 65 shared. It gave me a muscle knot in my forehead for a week due to the stress, BUT it also gave me a sense of clarity and healthy separation. It had to be done! And ever since then, I have been slowly paring down still, since minimalism is a journey, not a final destination. And as time passes, has helped me figure out my own dang self after a decade of nonsense.
I used to be the sale/limited edition person. Now I am much more careful. I ask myself, do I want to use this, wear this, right now? Am I willing to replace an item for this item? If the answer is no, then I don’t love it. I will just pay full price and buy the exact item I want. What I have noticed is that I now love all of my things. There isn’t the dilemma of, “well, this color is not quite right, but it was cheap” Also I must add that I really love how you all fix things, with the gold and silver. It’s beautiful. We are too quick to throw things away these days.
I agree with everything 💯%…. but you should have gotten the Snow Peak outdoor kimono….of course you will not wear it everyday unless you live in Siberia or something…some items are seasonal. That is like saying do not buy an overcoat because you will not wear it everyday. Of course not, only a couple of months out of the year…😊
My mother taught me a rule to help stay organized. “Everything has a place, everything in its place.” This implies if something doesn’t have a place, maybe it doesn’t belong 😊
If I run out of room for the new thing, I must remove an old thing to make the space. And try to remember, your stuff will require stuff to be maintained....it is a terrible trap!😮😮
👌👌👌
it's a pity that my husband's mother did't teach him the same, so only way to keep house clean and neat for me is to get rid of husband and kid (though kid is just too small to be taught such a wise things)
True
@@donnahuck1744wldd😊s
If I am in a store and see something that i want to impulse buy....i just carry it around until i leave store, then put it back. By the time I leave i realize that I don't need that item.
😂
👌
I’ve been doing that lately, I think like do I really need this right now
That's what I do...😂 And the entire time I have the item in the cart I think to myself do i really need it? And before I leave i have decided that it looks better on the store shelf then at my house!😂
Yes, I have used this tric and...it works for me.😊
I am from India. Being on the job that requires me to be away from home and need to travel for job, i needed a guide to teach me how to stay minimalist. Your videos have taught me a LOT. Now realise i need very little to be happy. Infact lesser possessions have give me much greater peace and happiness. Keep posting such valuable videos.
Amazing. Years ago when I began my studies in Buddhism, I threw out all my furniture and everything I felt I did not need, including cell phone. Everyone warned me that my life would be awful because I threw too much out...but I became happier than ever, and more focused on my true passion in life.
Consumerism is a very powerful thing. It’s important to constantly follow and inspire by people like you who talk about intentional living and minimalism. It’s not easy. I love your tips.
it's not consumerism it is marketing
@@potbellyfatguyfromnewyorkcity marketing's goal is to promote the mindset that is consumerism (in order to earn someone a profit). Consumerism is deeper and can be caused by marketing, comparison, and more.
Exactly. For every person like him there are thousands of inputs to act on the contrary.
I feel like I’ve been “barraged “ for so many years with it just from TV, feel like it’s worse now for youth on Social Media
Hopefully more people find that less is more thanks to these videos
To see Akki uploading a new video makes me so happy it makes my whole week. Watching your old videos and new ones make me so happy. Thank you Akki
So true
Thank you so matcha!!!:)
Same feeling watching his old videos..
I have just discovered Aki, and my heart is singing. I can’t wait to start my list and get things moving OUT of my house!! This is brilliant! ❤️❤️ off to watch more!
I " Practice the pause" Waiting atleast 24 hours to buy something I think I need. A lot of the time the urge to have it goes away
I practice the ‘ one in one out’ rule too! Not just to avoid impulse purchases but also remind myself to carefully think whether something is worth purchasing
*If you love Japanese culture, you might like my music! You can listen to it for example on my channel! Thank you for the attention and have an amazing day! 😊*
find some good hobby. It helps you save a lot of money. like doing garden, reading books, hunting, fishing, yoga, meditation, and doing gym. If you have hobby like, shopping, smoking, drinking, hanging out with friends partying, using drugs, so on, it gonna cost you a lot of money.
Me too! And it works!
Thank you Aki!🙏
I have a few tricks that keeps my home quite light:
- When I want to buy something non-essential, wait 10 days first. Then if it still makes sense after 10 days, get it.
- When I get my salary, I pay my bills, set aside some money for food, and then I transfer the rest to another bank and save it in index-funds. When I have just enough for food + a few restaurant-visits easily available, I focus on making that money last. And I dont feel like using any more.
same here- i always wait to buy something even if i think i might need it. i dont buy something if i dont miss that thing after some days! also, i throw out things that's labelled " i might need this someday", clothes that i dont wear in a year.. really enjoy this very nice video!
Lofty ideas….then come 4 kids
Thank you for this inspiring video. I retired two years ago and have started eliminating items that I no longer need, such as clothes that I used to wear to work. Unloading such items helps me move onto a new chapter in my life. I feel lighter, less burdened.
Best wishes 🤗😅
After watching many of your wonderful videos I decided to start becoming a minimalist. I found myself trying too many things at once though and found myself failing. I then made a rule for myself that I would focus on two things at a time. Currently the first goal I am working on is getting myself up at 4 in the morning. This is difficult as I suffered from sleep insomnia so I had no regular schedule. I had an aha moment after realizing this and made staying up for 16 hours my goal. I then plan to walk back my wake up time little by little until I reach 4 am as you suggested. The second goal is getting rid of my excess items. I have set a 30 day challenge for myself that I must get rid of one thing a day. I may buy one item for myself if I get rid of three items. (there is something I need to deal with a bug infestation that I currently have.) . I want to thank you for your wonderful videos. They are always pleasant and quite inspiring. Bless you whoever may be reading this and may you all have a wonderful life.
I have a rule that helps with cleaning--not necessarily with accumulation. The rule is "Never go anywhere empty-handed." When you move from one room to another, bring along with you objects that don't belong in the room you are leaving, and move them closer to the room where they belong. It is the single most powerful technique I have found for keeping the house tidy.
Thanks a lot, Samurai Matcha!
Great
Yep I do this too and sometimes I have to go to 5 rooms, start the dishwasher and clean some pots or pans, and maybe even start a load of laundry or put clothes away to get it all cleaned up.
Knowing your "enough" is liberating, and life-changing.
I love the Japanese cultures... we could all learn so much from it.
Yeah killing dolphins and eating everything after horribly torturing them
@@19683 and have all other the countries been perfect in every way ?
@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 No
The only "influencer" I love. Thank you for your integrity! 🙏
Use multi functionnal things , like one soap to wash my body, hair and hands in the bathing room, one fork to eat all my meals , one cleaning product to clean the house 😁
Trash attracts trash! You’re right, I learnt that a while ago….lately I got my cubby house cut down, binned. Donated a bbq, outdoor settings, and I move items into sections and get rid of the excess. I put my mirrors up, painted some of the kitchen and fence. I think more along the lines ‘how much time do I have to do these things?’ Much love as always from Australia 🇦🇺 keep up the great work!
Everything you say are words of wisdom! I think they are common advice valid to all people around the world, but they seem to have forgotten them. I am an Orthodox Christian from Greece (also a high school teacher-teach religion-in a small town) and I highly appreciate your videos that teach practical things that a man should know for a balanced life. Also I like your charismatic way of expression. Keep up the good work!
I borrow items from family members so that I don't add more stuff in the house.
Your tips are great, Aki! You are one of my favorite minimalist youtubers to watch. Even if some of your videos are not about minimalism, I still enjoy watching them.
Ware-Tada-Taruo-Shiru is something I’ve always felt. I’ve been using a Japanese futon and tatami mat for over a year now. And I use/possess only a few items in everything in my life. Now I’m glad to find a term that actually fits what I’ve felt
Thank you for this video. It helps a lot to have all of these tips summarized. One of my personal rules for buying, which also goes with "buy what sparks joy" is : always know where your money is going/to whom are you giving your money. It encourages me to spend only for things that matter to me, for example local businesses, artists, small cinemas or cafes, and encourage this type of local, small and slower production in my everyday life.
I enjoyed this video. I’ve spent the last 3 days decluttering and was hesitating with my collection of cds. But I haven’t really played them for years. They spark memories which I think is a bit different from joy. So I’m going to play each one and say goodbye to them. I love how a good declutter makes the space around me and my body feel so clean. However, letting go of my books would require counselling! 😊
good for you! I used to listen to movie soundtracks at work; once I was retired I realized I didn't need that "escape hatch" any more and donated them. 😉
recently i’ve been a little overwhelmed with desire to buy more things & your videos always help me to calm down. whenever i watch your videos, i become more grateful for things i already have. thank you
Great
Having been brought up in a 3d-world country, frugality has been a part of me. But I am still finding new ways to be even more frugal. I need outlets for my artistic nature and I am very organized but being a minimalist has been hard. I have decorated my home in the Old World Mediterranean/French Country style which doesn't exactly scream minimalist. Thank you for the suggestions which keep me motivated and will not stop trying till I have reached my goal.
Being a minimalist is good for people with too much clutter. For people from poor countries being a minimalist just looks poor I think. I have relatives in Nigeria. They only laugh about minimalistic lifestyle. They need things. A lot.😊
Actually, the repair on the shoe looks beautiful because rather than just carelessly slapping on a patch, you took the time to make said repair look beautiful and in a lovely shape. What is not to like about someone respecting their old shoes?
Unfortunately, modern sneakers only live so long before the molecular connections weaken.
In addition, it’s not the sole that suffers the most, but the outer part, which cracks, and the inner one under your feet, which gets ruined by your weight when you run and loses shape, becoming harmful for your foot.
When buying new things, i usually consider whether that thing is easy to clean and maintain
I've adapted a different mindset about the things, I own:
First, I stopped viewing them as just tools, I use. I now see it, as having relationships with not only the items, but also their history: Everything was made with someone's labour and with resources our beautiful world gave. I want to respect, what went into every item, be it as little as a pencil. I now think, that it's disrespectful to nature and all the workers, to own more, than we need and to treat their products careless.
Whenever I take something new in, I'm getting responsible for it and all the work and resources and energy, that went into creating them. So, I try to think about "What will happen to that item, when I no longer need it? Can I give it to someone else to bring value into their life? Can I recycle it to reuse the resources?
Second, I realised, that I don't need to posses something, to appreciate it. There are so many beautiful things in the world. I don't need to purchase them or bring them into my home, just to show my appreciation for them. I realised this while picking flowers. Why are we picking them? Then they are dying slowly in our homes, where only few can appreciate them for a short time. Let them be and let them live, where they are, for everyone to enjoy them!
Having a checklist of what you have and making inventories also help to instill discipline.
I'm a minimalist that has had a relapse. Thank you for this video, I really needed it. 🙏
I like your life style as well as your kind talking. I am so glad to find your channel. I am Korean and I hope Japanese people are happy too. Thank you for your sharing your life style.
I have long lived a pretty simple and minimal life. I pretty much do everything you talked about, other than counting everything and making a pie chart 😅 I have a "one-in, two-out rule." Empty drawers, cupboards, closets, and one entire bedroom make me happy. I believe in "cluttered house, cluttered mind." There is pretty much nothing I want and very little I need. I prefer to spend my money on experiences and lunches with friends.
I love the fact that you give trough your lifestyle everything a meaning and everything got automatically more worth. I try to teach that to my kids too👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The “one-in/one-out” rule is one I’ve done for a while. It doesn’t help me minimize, but it does keep me from having more than I need.
The repair idea with metals is a great one. One that I want to try very much.
I just started my minimalist journey this month and am looking forward to seeing where this takes me.
You are a true inspiration.❤️
Something that helped me tremendously is. "Do I "need" it, or "want" it ?... 90% of the time it's a "want", and I can just walk away....😊
😢 but .. I NEED my wants!! 😂
With books, giving up is always difficult!
I don't know why but i always somehow depend on your videos, old or new. Like it's one of the things that motivate me on my minimalist lifestyle.
Always eager to see more videos in the future. Thank you, Aki!
Ware-Tada-Taruo-Shiru describes exactly what I want to be as a minimalist - Content. I also like the rule of buying only what sparks joy, and will be always used
One in one out, YES! I have been doing this for years. We taught our son from an early age the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need.’
Thank you so much Aki! I learned a lot from your videos. I totally agree with you, less is more, contentment is not achieved by having lots of stuff, it is achieved by enjoying the existing stuff that you have. Keep it up Aki! You always have our support!
That got me into action. I looked over at the shelf next to where I was watching this video, and realized there were things there that I no longer wanted. One thing led to another. It turned out to be a bigger task than I thought. I'll finish up tomorrow. By rearranging things in this room, I freed up space to move things out of another room. This will give my new housemate a lot more space and privacy.
I NEED to visit Japan!! Still in my bucket list! ❤
When I feel the need to buy something, I put in on a list and wait 30 days and when I still want it I buy it. Good against impulse buying 👍🏻 love your video’s Aki, thnx for sharing.
I really like the ' being content with what you have '..It's absolutely in line with Islamic teaching
Making a list of all items you have will really help in cutting down on purchases for most people.
I so love your philosophy on life. Your students are very lucky to have you as a teacher. I hope you instill in them your philosophy of minimalism. Your beautiful words, I simply know what is enough, is my new mantra for life. Greetings from Chicago.
As an American, whose favourite pass time is shopping, this was very helpful. Going to live in Israel where apartments are smaller and neatness is admired, tu for these helpful tips.
Thank you! I really needed this video! Been having this constant feeling for wanting something new (as a minimalist person this feeling's been really irritating me) and watching this video reminded me to take a deep breath and stay calm, constant and present. It wasn't me who wanted all those things but the narratives from the outside made me think so for a moment. So huge thank you for making me feel more grounded again!
I really need your helpful advise! So glad I found you on You Tube today.
Loved the bit about repairing things to make them more beautiful!
You are an inspiration. Thank you
I borrowed my bf pen yesterday. Writing with it was more than smooth. I thought about buying it, or asking him if he has more of these pens, but i have a lot of stationary. After this video I realised that I don't use many of my pens because they are uncomfortable to write with. I guess we're saying bye to all of them and inviting one new. Also thanks for motivating me to clean my room.... It is pretty messy after a hard week
I have a box of pens that are fine but that I don't use, and your comment helped me realise that the reason is the same - they are not nice to use, but I keep them in case I need them. Maybe time for me to say goodbye to my pens too 😊
Would it not be quite wasteful to not use up the ink before throwing them all out and replenishing?
The piling of cardboard boxes is something I've experienced personaly.... Aweome video... ❤️ from 🇮🇳
I've been living a relatively minimal livestyle for years but after I discovered your channel a few days ago, I became very inspired and have managed to get rid of a surprising amount of stuff. The one in, one out rule is definitely something I'm going to start practicing. Thank you for the great content and the inspiration, keep it up!
Oh I love this! I really like the advice about "some day" items. Sometimes I do think, "Oops, I should have kept that thing." But every time that happens I realize I can make do with something else.
I like how you repair the teacup. Its so organic. Look forward to seeing more of repair videos.
Just listening to Samurai Matcha made me happy. the video is so well presented and one looks forward to the calming effect of minimal material belongings.
Your analogies are spot on! As a minimalist myself, I wholeheartedly agree with you.
I love stationary and physical art supplies. But they pile up fast too... So I set the rule of not buying more than which fits into drawer x. Works 95% of the time, it only piles up a little more when I get gifts, such as on Christmas and for birthday. After I´ve shopped too much of this stuff during the last months a shopping ban for the rest of the years works fine so far.
dear Diary today was a good day Samurai Matcha made a nice video! ありがとうございました
As a recovering hoarder some of the habits are what I'm trying to do. I seriously question my buying habits of non-consumables and ponder on them for a while (whether it would be a few days or a few months), during which time I set aside money for that purchase. As for seasonal items like sweaters, winter coats, shorts, sandals I try to stick to only a few of those items. I also try to repair things before I have to replace them. If it's longer than a 10 minute repair for clothes or a few hours for certain items though, because I know I would procrastinate on it, I would have to replace it.
I also recently talked to my therapist about replacing some furniture in my house and brought up the whole throw/donate 1 or 2 items habit. She sounded a bit concerned that I wasn't downsizing more (I want to donate a 2 seat love seat and armchair that we have and replace it with a 3 seat couch). It made me feel like I was doing it wrong when I was considering it. We moved into a place with no furniture and was gifted 2 love seats and 2 armchairs. We currently use 1 of each because they're comfortable as heck but the other 2 items are very stiff and feel like they're meant for the living room that was kept to the side and only used when company was over. I think my therapist believes if I do the 1 or 2 out for everything that comes in (preferably in the same category) that I might go back on the same habit of hoarding.
Don't ever stop making these videos ..... People can learn so many things with these videos.
Keep it up, great work! 👍❤🎉
Such a fresh perspective that I simply needed to hear to start my minimal lifestyle. Got bored of the other similar lists about minimalism. Glad I found your channel for having original content that I could apply in practical life. Keep making more videos.👍 Thank you so much, Aki!
Totally agree with knowing what you have!👏👏 I actually bought the sane item a couple of times as I don't know I already have it! That started me on the journey to tidy and group my things
When I see something I don't really need, but just want, I usually wait a month. Then, most of the time, after a month has passed, I find I really don't want it anymore.
Hello, I am from Germany. I realy want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Actually, I am in a lifecrisis at the Moment. Your Videos, your love to life and your inspirationally way of living helps me a lot to gain new hope and joy in my life. I will add some of your ideas and advices to my life.
For exemple, I want to learn the Tea ceremony to focus more on the Moment.
Please continue with your great work.
ありがとうございました (I hope this is spelled right 😊)
I will pray for you to bravely go through the crisis u are going thru n be victorious in Jesus name.
Me too. I wish you happiness. I am from Russia. Minimalism is very useful thing ☀️
Thanks you Matcha, that's what i need for my minimalist life !❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I'm not minimalist and I don't know Japanese but I copied the characters for "I simply know what is enough" - it really speaks to me. I love the emptiness of your dwelling, and your kimono. And your smile!
Reuse things and buy multipurpose things that solve multiple tasks using a single product. Buy clothes that can be worn in multiple ways and in different weather.
I came across your youtube Channel..i wanted to be a minimalist at some point but because of i have so many hobbies, i have a lot of stuff.
😅 so i appreciate u and those who are minimalist out there..
I love your videos. This is my second one I’ve watched & already I’m changing tiny things. I spend time just looking around to see what I can do without. I guess the hardest thing is throwing away things that were expensive but I’m already clearing out some of it. I also never leave a room empty handed.
Je pratique ces 6 habitudes depuis des années et j'en suis heureuse 🤗
Merci pour ce partage si intéressant et si sympa
Great video. I just donated a bag of books to my library. I was saving books that I have read for no reason.
SO Beautiful thank you!! I was thinking as I watched that some habits work for me and others might not because I have a different lifestyle and goals and this made me feel happy and grateful because I honor who I am. I love hearing "it's beautiful to me becasue I tried my best" this is very powerful. Thank you for being you and sharing and teaching.
Hi, Aki, thank you for sharing, very useful ideas! I agree: trash likes to meet trash…I’ll bring the card boards away immediately ☺ and on my walks I’m picking up items, too, but I could do that more often. Don’t be too hard, if you think you’ll really use the winter kimono, it’s ok… Winters can be cold. And you can show us, what a winter kimono is… Love, Monika❣
So true ,especially what you said about what leads to lack mentality. ❤
I'm defenatly on that path, but still working on my mindset 😊
Thank you
The “one thing in, one thing out” is quite satisfying and really works for me. If I buy a large item, then two things get thrown out. Thank you for your videos !😊
Your Channel and videos are pure "Tokimeki " Sparks Joy" brings so much peace and joy 🥰
Dziękuję za podzielenie się swoimi zasadami!
Yes. I use old towels to make it in pieces for cleaning, windows or the Fett of the kitchen. So the new towel's never be dirty.
Thank you, Aki.
I think the most helpful thing for me has been a mental state of non-attachment. I was never very materialistic, but had a typical home full of nice things (paintings, Persian rugs, antiques, etc.). On discovering minimalism I let go of a lot of things and then moved overseas and let go of everything (donated or thrown out). For years I lived comfortably in serviced apartments with very little that was my own.
On returning to the UK, I have intentionally brought a few more things into my life. Very beautiful but very inexpensive (e.g. furnishing with plants; soft paper lighting). A single print in what passes for my tokonoma. But I know I could pack the two suitcases again and the box of books and leave everything else behind if that seemed right.
I did though buy a superb Japanese petty knife! And I would take that with me. I do indeed use it everyday. Do you need to sharpen yours? Mine is still very new, so this has not been an issue.
What is a Japanese petty knife, please? Thanks in advance....
..
Your first point just perfectly explained the universal dirty clothes chair that we all have.
Thanks for the video, I love watching them because they're so calming and motivating. Your English is also very good, it must be difficult to learn! I studied Japanese for a few years in Highschool, but it was very hard for me, so I stopped studying it so I could focus on my other subjects. I would love to continue learning the language.
I'm looking forward to your next video. :)
This is another good point! Select what you think, what you are intrested in, ..., what you REALLY WANT TO STUDY, as well.
I live in a tiny house of 9 square meters, so I cannot overdo it with the shopping and also, people cannot gift me things that take up space.
A good housecleaning at every start of the season is also very useful for those who are on their way to living a minimalist life, and for those like me who like to keep stuff for projects waiting (and waiting some more!) to happen.
Thanks for the good advice! I always try to think of a good way of giving an item one final round of usage, instead of just throwing it in the bin. For example cutting up a plastic bag that has a beautiful pattern, folding the plastic in a special manner and wrapping a gift with it.
Thanks for inspiration! Yes, in our house we’re working to incorporate the one in one out rule. We also don’t waste food. Keeps the fridge less congested.
4:04 very true and if it keeps breaking, just throw it away and buy new and cost efficient 👍🏼
I use the thirty day rule and am currently in a buying fast during which I don't buy anything unless it's absolutely nessecary.
Hey! Thank you for making these videos. It made me think about how many unnecessary items I use. Thank you very much! Greetings from Bulgaria!
I have a funny true story. I recently moved across country and the shipping company that was moving my furniture took many weeks to make the trip while I had taken a jet and was there in a day. So I had a month to live in an empty apartment and…loved it. When the moving company arrived and began brining in all my boxes and furniture, I actually cried…and NOT from joy. That was a huge lesson for me and ever since I’ve been on an intense path to minimalism. (Love your videos)
I loved learning about kintsugi. Beauty created by fixing things
I am from the state of telangana, indian nation.
After along days I seen most use full content in your vedios.
You are more admirable..
Thank you brother,, for sharing a great knowledge with us.
Which make us to see inside of us
Thanks for the video! The one-in-one out rule is something I use all the time. If you get in the habit of asking “what will this replacing”while shopping often times you won’t buy it. Another rule for buying is to delay purchases by a predetermined time. Often you find once the time is up you changed your mind and item is no longer needed. You can use lists or a diary if needed to keep track of. Thanks for the great video. I’m pretty good with minimalism but watching these videos on occasion always help me stay focused and motivated.
I find your suggestions very self-evident. Thank you.
Knowing what is enough.
Hello and thank you so much for the good advices. I will try my best to do some of them
Greetings from switzerland
After I broke up with someone after a crappy 10 year relationship, I counted my items. 581 of my own, with about 65 shared. It gave me a muscle knot in my forehead for a week due to the stress, BUT it also gave me a sense of clarity and healthy separation. It had to be done! And ever since then, I have been slowly paring down still, since minimalism is a journey, not a final destination. And as time passes, has helped me figure out my own dang self after a decade of nonsense.
You always seem so happy. I love that x
I used to be the sale/limited edition person. Now I am much more careful. I ask myself, do I want to use this, wear this, right now? Am I willing to replace an item for this item? If the answer is no, then I don’t love it. I will just pay full price and buy the exact item I want. What I have noticed is that I now love all of my things. There isn’t the dilemma of, “well, this color is not quite right, but it was cheap” Also I must add that I really love how you all fix things, with the gold and silver. It’s beautiful. We are too quick to throw things away these days.
Thank you. Please continue to share experiences, suggestions, and the why; plus, teaching language and culture. 🙏🏽
This is so true, thank you.🙂 I should watch it every day.
I agree with everything 💯%…. but you should have gotten the Snow Peak outdoor kimono….of course you will not wear it everyday unless you live in Siberia or something…some items are seasonal. That is like saying do not buy an overcoat because you will not wear it everyday. Of course not, only a couple of months out of the year…😊
Thank you for another wonderful video. I always look forward to them.