The Shizen Style Weekly
Ancient wisdom for modern creative living
Each week I share what I'm discovering about creativity, photography, Japanese aesthetics, and the art of intentional living—straight from my studio in Buffalo and my travels to Japan.
Join 1,000+ creative professionals, photographers, and mindful makers who start their week with inspiration that actually matters.
What You'll Get:
Think of it as a letter from a friend who happens to live between two worlds—Western creativity and Japanese wisdom—and loves sharing the most interesting things discovered along the way.
Each week, you'll receive:
✨ Personal discoveries from my photography practice, garden design, and cultural observations between Buffalo and Japan
🎋 Japanese insights that transform how you see creativity, beauty, and daily living (no fluff, just what actually works)
📸 Behind-the-scenes stories from 20+ years of photographing Japan, designing gardens, and pursuing flow states
🔗 Curated finds — the books, tools, techniques, and ideas currently shaping my creative practice
💡 Weekly practices you can try immediately, whether you're holding a camera, designing a space, or simply seeking more intentional living
Why This Newsletter Exists:
I started The Shizen Style Weekly because I believe that real creative growth happens in the space between ancient wisdom and modern practice. It happens when you understand why a Japanese garden feels so peaceful, then apply those same principles to your photography composition. When you learn the breath techniques that shakuhachi masters use, then bring that mindfulness to your daily creative work.
This isn't about perfection—it's about depth. About finding the extraordinary in your ordinary Tuesday. About learning to see with eyes that appreciate both the cherry blossom and the crack in the sidewalk beneath it.
Perfect if you're:
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A photographer seeking deeper meaning in your visual work
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A creative professional drawn to Japanese aesthetics and mindful practices
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Someone designing a more intentional lifestyle using timeless principles
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Curious about flow states, garden design, or cultural wisdom applied to modern life
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Ready to slow down and see more clearly in our rushed world
What readers say:
"Josh's weekly insights have completely changed how I approach both photography and life. It's like having a wise mentor who's lived in both worlds." — Sarah M., Portland
"I never miss an issue. The blend of practical techniques and cultural depth is exactly what I've been looking for." — Michael K., Designer
"Finally, a newsletter that treats creativity as both art and spiritual practice." — Elena R., Yoga Instructor
About Your Guide:
Dr. Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith brings a rare combination of academic depth and artistic practice to everything he shares. With a PhD in Japanese Cultural Sociology from Osaka University, 20+ years photographing and living in Japan, and expertise as a shakuhachi master and garden designer, he bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary creative practice. With experience in numerous entrepreneurial ventures, he also understands how how you can develop a Shizen Style business life as well.
Author of "The Quiet Lens" and creator of the Shizen Style philosophy, Josh splits his time between Buffalo, NY and Japan, constantly discovering new connections between Eastern aesthetics and Western creativity.
Join the Community:
Ready to see your creative work—and your daily life—through new eyes?
Join 1,000+ readers who've discovered that the most profound creativity happens when ancient wisdom meets modern practice.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. Your inbox (and creative spirit) will thank you.
P.S.
If you've ever felt the peace of a Japanese garden, been moved by the imperfect beauty of wabi-sabi, or wondered how traditional masters maintained such deep focus in their craft—this newsletter is your weekly invitation to bring that same intentionality into your modern creative life.
See you Tuesday.