We are living in an era where everything happens at breakneck speed. Deadline after deadline, social media is always flooded with images of “success” that make us feel like we are falling behind. In the midst of this pace of life, many people – especially young people – begin to wonder: "What do we live for?", "Is there a way to feel more peaceful every day?"
It is no coincidence that Japanese philosophies of life are becoming more and more popular. Concepts such as Ikigai, Kaizen or Kintsugi are not only cultural characteristics, but also keys that open the door to a life of depth, fulfillment and balance. We do not need to become Japanese to live like Japanese people – just a little understanding, and the choice to change from very small things.
Ikigai – Finding “a reason to wake up every morning”
Ikigai, simply put, is “a reason to live” – or more gently, it is what makes you smile every morning when you wake up. It could be a job you love, a loving relationship, or even a simple hobby like gardening, cooking, or writing.
Many young people today are “following their passion” as a slogan, but sometimes feel lost in the vague choices. Ikigai is not something “found overnight”, but a journey of honest self-discovery: What are you good at? What do you love? What does society need from you? And can you be paid for it?
In a world where everyone is rushing around, Ikigai is like a spiritual compass, helping us not only live but also live with purpose.
Kaizen – Improve every day even just 1%
While many people wait for “a beautiful day” to change their lives, the Japanese Kaizen philosophy gently reminds them: Just improving 1% every day will take you a long way.
Kaizen doesn’t require you to make drastic changes. It could be waking up 5 minutes earlier, drinking an extra glass of water, cleaning a corner of your desk, or learning a new Japanese word. These seemingly insignificant little things, when repeated every day, will create a completely different person in just a few months.
In Singapore, the culture of “waiting for the right moment to start” is still quite popular – many people procrastinate because they think “you have to be ready first”. But Kaizen shows: you don’t need to be ready, you just need to start. As one young person shared: by reading just 10 minutes every morning, after 3 months, he finished 5 books – and realized that he loved reading more than surfing social networks.
Shinrin-yoku – “Forest Bathing” for Spiritual Recovery
Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a unique concept that emerged in Japan in the 1980s. More than just walking in the woods, it is a spiritual therapy where nature becomes the gentlest healer.
Science has proven that when we immerse ourselves in green spaces, our blood pressure decreases, our cortisol (stress hormone) levels also decrease, and our immune system improves significantly. Shinrin-yoku can start from very close things: walking in the park early in the morning, taking care of a small potted plant, or simply turning off your phone and sitting under a tree quietly observing.
At that moment, we are slowing down, opening our hearts to nature – and also opening our hearts to ourselves. In that silence, we can easily recognize the beauty of Wabi-Sabi hidden around us: not perfect, but enough to make our hearts light.
Wabi-Sabi – Embracing Imperfection
There are days when you look in the mirror and see something that isn’t quite what you expected: old scars, an unhealed sadness, or just a feeling that “I’m not good enough.” The Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi not only accepts that – but sees it as a very human beauty.
Wabi-Sabi reminds us to love old, imperfect things – like a chipped glass, an old photograph, or an unfinished rainy afternoon. It says that those cracks, those old things, are part of the history, making the item all the more special.
When we look back at the failures in our lives, we can choose to be ashamed – or we can choose to paint them in gold. Because perhaps it is the failures, losses, or imperfections… that are the places where the light enters our souls most clearly.
KonMari Minimalist Lifestyle – Letting Go for a Better Life
If you ever feel like your room is cramped even though you have everything, or feel tired every time you look at your phone full of notifications – maybe you need minimalism.
The Japanese are famous for their minimalist philosophy, in which Marie Kondo’s KonMari method has become a global phenomenon. She teaches us not to clean, but to keep things that “spark joy” – that make the heart flutter.
Minimalism doesn’t mean deprivation. It means enough—enough to avoid distractions, to breathe easier, and to see clearly what’s important. For moms living in small apartments, minimalism means letting go of unwanted baby stuff. For young renters, it means a light, airy room. For social media users, it means cleaning up their watchlists and keeping only what feeds their soul.
When your living space and mind are both "liberated", you will be surprised by the subtle things you have missed.
You don’t have to switch to living like the Japanese to live more deeply. You just have to start small: a morning without rushing, an afternoon without checking your phone, a time to sit down and ask yourself what makes you happy.
You may not be able to change everything, but if you step out into the park today, throw away a few unnecessary items, or write down what you're grateful for – you'll be living closer to the Japanese spirit.