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

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

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

One of the things that has always drawn me to Japanese aesthetics is their appreciation of beauty. Japan has shown me that it’s ok to...

When I lived in Japan and was studying Japanese language I found that the word “shizen” was often used in a contradictory way. For some...

Kachou Fuugetsu – Finding Yourself in Nature Kachou Fuugetsu is a concept that I began to explore after having done a few pilgrimages...

Yakisugi Farm house repurposed Cafe in Japan While living in Japan I became intrigued with these black houses and buildings that I began...

Wabi-sabi is a part of Japanese Aesthetics and philosophy that focuses on the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence. Although...