Letter from Japan
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- USD 11.99
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- USD 11.99
Descripción editorial
In her most personal book yet, the iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy—and can make our lives better today.
“This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the customs, traditions, arts and sensibilities of Japan.”
Though she’s known for “tidying up” and “sparking joy,” there’s more to Marie Kondo than her fervent desire to help you better appreciate your mess. Across book tours and international conferences, it became clear that her audience, while interested in how to keep their lives tidy, was also keen to learn about Marie herself and the culture that is intrinsic to her tidying method.
Written with her television co-star Marie Iida, in Letter from Japan, Marie reflects on the myriad questions she received about her inspirations by examining the Japanese customs that she grew up with—minute details of tea ceremonies, the art of taking care of gardens, and the power of passing seasons—with her trademark gentle wisdom. But this book isn’t only a response to her audience’s wish to know the real Marie Kondo; it’s a testament for her three children, a documentation of the foundational elements of their culture, despite the rapidly changing times, which is essential to their understanding of the world around them.
With subtle and lyrical prose, Marie embarks on her most personal and affirming book yet, unveiling for her readers the customs, traditions, and practices that not only spark joy for her, but also to preserve them for future generations.
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Tidying expert Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) offers a heartfelt celebration of Japan and its culture. Observing that "my upbringing is fundamental to my chosen career and philosophy in life," the author surveys the Japanese customs that inspire her, from making onigiri, or hand-formed rice balls, to expressing mottainai, or "profound regret over discarding... something that could still serve a purpose." Some of her cherished traditions are familiar (meditative Japanese gardens, manga) or standard vacation tips (relaxing in hot springs). But some are lesser-known, such as takigyo, "the long-held tradition of praying... while standing underneath a waterfall," and the esoteric ma, the silent pause or empty space that "forms the foundation of Japanese culture and lifestyle." Kondo's breezy reflections are bolstered with historical anecdotes and etymologies (kawaii, or "cute," evolved from a phrase referring to "situations that were embarrassing" but also "evoked pity"). The book also lends fascinating insight into Kondo herself, from her younger years participating in an after-school Japanese tea club and serving as a "shrine maiden," to the cultural whiplash she experienced when moving to the U.S. Kondo never strays far from her passion for tidying as she details how Japanese culture informs her methods. It's an endearing love letter to the country that formed a popular philosophy.
