Shizen Style Culture Blog

Timeless wisdom from Bashō, Buson, and Princess Nukata on aging, solitude, and the beauty of impermanence Autumn in Japan isn't just a season—it's a philosophy. For over a thousand years, Japanese poets have gazed at falling leaves, migrating birds, and the harvest moon, finding profound truths hidden in nature's transitions. These weren't just artists seeking beauty—they were teachers offering instructions for living well. Today, I'm sharing seven classical Japanese poems ab

"Architecture doesn't need to speak too much. It should remain silent and let nature in the guise of sunlight and wind." These are the words of Tadao Ando, a self-taught architect who transformed concrete into poetry. But what makes his approach so distinctly Japanese? And what can his work teach us about living with intention in our own spaces? The Unlikely Architect Before Tadao Ando became one of the most celebrated architects in the world, he was a professional boxer. Bor

Most people think Japanese gardens are ancient, unchanging spaces—frozen remnants of feudal Japan. But that's a Western fantasy. The garden I'm walking through today tells a different story. This is Nakajima Koen in Sapporo, and it reveals something crucial about Japanese aesthetics that most people completely miss: the art of creating timeless beauty in modern contexts. The Paradox of Modern Tradition Here's what makes this place fascinating. Where I'm standing right now was

We weren't supposed to stop here. Satomi, the kids, and I were exploring backroads near Mt. Yotei, looking for an interesting place to stop along the way down to Lake Toya. We found something on the map that looked like it might be worth stopping at for a minute... Needless to say that with my camera in hand, that minute became way longer than expected. From the parking lot it's hard to tell where all of the water is, so we found the map and started on our way down one of the

In a world drowning in 'add to cart' notifications, something unexpected is happening in Japan. The country that gave us Sony, Nintendo, and cutting-edge tech is now pioneering something even more radical: the art of buying nothing. But this isn't just about empty wallets—it's about full lives. Welcome to Japan's quiet revolution. The Paradox: From Boom to Bloom To understand where Japan is now, we need to understand where it's been. The 1980s: Japan was the economic miracle.

There's this moment that happens sometimes when I'm out shooting in Japan. The light hits just right, my breath quiets, and suddenly I'm not thinking about composition rules or what people might like on Instagram. I'm just... there. Present. Seeing. That's when the best photographs happen. Last month, I was listening to Rick Rubin talk about his creative process, and something clicked. Here's a guy who's produced everyone from Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his

Discover how one ancient principle can transform your space from chaotic to peaceful—and why this isn't just about having less stuff Have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly calm, even though you couldn't pinpoint why? Or conversely, entered a room that made you feel stressed and overwhelmed without any obvious reason? The answer lies in an ancient Japanese principle that goes far deeper than the minimalism trends you see on Instagram. Today, I'm sharing the one d

In the fast-paced world of photography, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the perfect shot, often overlooking the profound...

Japanese gardens are more than just beautifully arranged plants, stones, and water features. They’re spaces that invite you to pause,...

While minimalism has become a popular trend in the West, in Japan it's deeply woven into the cultural fabric, appearing in everything...

There’s something timeless about Japanese gardens—a sense of peace that seems to pull you from the noise of daily life into a world of...

Hey there, photography and flow enthusiasts! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of flow state...

Are you looking to enhance your photography skills and creativity? Whether you are a seasoned photographer seeking inspiration or a...

As a photographer for over 20 years now, I know what it’s like to fall in and out of flow. There was even a time after we moved back to...

The flow state is such an underestimated and overlooked key to improving your photography, boosting your creativity, and living life to...

Whether you are a beginning photographer or a seasoned pro, I guarantee you’ve experienced flow before. I’ve got 4 ways that we can...

I’ve never talked about some of the camera accessories that I use on a regular basis, so today I thought I’d share what I consider as...

Are you looking to take your photography skills to the next level? Do you want to unlock your creativity and capture stunning...

I’ve never talked about some of the camera accessories that I use on a regular basis, so today I thought I’d share what I consider as...

Here is a list of some of my favorite books to get you started in developing your own Shizen Style: 1 - Japanese Garden Design By Marc P....