Simple Life Abroad

  Introduction When we talk about minimalism, we often focus on physical space—clean desks, empty closets, fewer possessions. But for me, the biggest change wasn’t what I saw . It was what I felt . As a minimalist living in Japan, I discovered that owning less helped me feel lighter , calmer , and more in control of my mind. 1. Anxiety Loves Clutter Before minimalism, my room was tidy—but my mind was not. I was: Overwhelmed by endless to-do lists Constantly distracted by unused apps Anxious about things I didn’t even use The mental noise came from physical noise. Every “just in case” item was a reminder of decisions unmade. 2. What I Let Go of (Besides Stuff) Decluttering wasn’t just about throwing things away. It was about letting go of: Guilt (from unused gifts or purchases) Identity (I no longer needed to be “the person with cool gear”) Control (I accepted that I didn’t need everything prepared) This emotional minimalism made more impact than e...

  Introduction Moving to Japan as a foreigner is exciting—but it’s also a challenge, especially when you're trying to live a minimalist lifestyle. While the image of “Japanese minimalism” is popular worldwide, reality can be surprisingly complex. In this post, I’ll share the unexpected struggles I’ve faced living simply in Japan as an expat, and how I’ve adapted. 1. The Myth vs. Reality of Japanese Minimalism Many imagine Japan as a minimalist paradise—clean lines, small homes, Zen interiors. While that image can be true, daily life often tells a different story: Apartment listings filled with storage-heavy layouts Convenience stores selling plastic items everywhere Cultural expectations of giving and receiving material gifts In other words, Japan is not always as minimalist as Instagram might suggest. 2. Lack of Space Isn’t Always Helpful Living in a small Japanese apartment doesn’t automatically lead to minimalism. In fact, lack of storage can lead to: ...

  Introduction In today’s world of dual monitors, smart desks, and endless accessories, the idea of working with just one laptop might sound impossible. But as a minimalist living in Japan, I’ve discovered that simplicity at my desk has made me more productive—not less. Here’s how (and why) I keep my workspace as minimal as possible. 1. Why I Ditched the Extras At one point, I owned: A laptop stand External keyboard and mouse Two monitors A drawer full of cables and chargers It looked like a tech shop—and felt like one too. I spent more time adjusting my setup than actually working. So, I decided to downsize. 2. What My Desk Looks Like Now Here’s what I use today: One lightweight laptop One notebook and pen A lamp for soft lighting A cup of tea or water That’s it. No second screen. No Bluetooth gadgets. No distractions. My desk is now a calm zone , not a command center. 3. The Benefits of a Minimalist Workspace You might think “less gea...

  Introduction When people think of minimalism, they often imagine bare white rooms with no signs of life—but what if you have a dog or a cat? Can you still live simply and give your pet a happy life? Absolutely. In this post, I’ll share how I live minimally with my pet in Japan, what I keep, and how I create a space that works for both of us. 1. The Misconception: Pets Require Clutter Some people assume pets come with lots of “stuff”: Bulky beds Dozens of toys Fancy grooming tools Multiple bowls, clothes, and accessories But just like humans, pets don’t need much to be happy. What they really need is love, routine, and space to relax. 2. What I Keep for My Pet I own only what’s essential—and my pet is just as comfortable as ever. 🛏 One Bed A simple cushion that’s washable, portable, and comfy. No fancy designs needed. 🍽 One Food Bowl, One Water Bowl That’s it. Easy to clean and store. 🧸 2–3 Toys I rotate a few toys to keep things interesting, but ...

  Introduction Traveling light used to feel impossible. But after adopting a minimalist lifestyle, I challenged myself to pack everything I need for a week in one backpack —and it changed how I experience travel. In this post, I’ll show you what I bring, how I organize it, and why minimalist packing leads to a freer, more joyful journey. 1. Why I Choose to Travel Light Dragging heavy suitcases, waiting at baggage claim, and overpacking “just in case”—I’ve been there. Now, I ask myself: “What do I truly need to enjoy this trip?” The answer is: not much. Traveling with less gives me freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind . 2. My Packing List Here’s what fits in my 30-liter backpack for a 7-day trip: 👕 Clothing (All mix & match) 3 T-shirts 1 long-sleeve shirt 1 light sweater 1 pair of jeans 1 pair of lightweight pants 1 packable jacket 3 pairs of socks and underwear 1 sleepwear set 🛁 Toiletries (Travel-size only) Toothbrush, toothpa...

  Introduction Minimalism often begins with decluttering our homes—but its impact doesn’t stop there. What surprised me most about adopting a minimalist lifestyle was how it transformed my relationships . In this post, I’ll share how living simply helped me connect more deeply with the people around me—and why less really can mean more when it comes to love, friendship, and communication. 1. Making Space for What Matters Before minimalism, my life felt full—but not in a good way. Between work, social media, and endless notifications, I was always “connected,” yet often emotionally distant. When I simplified my environment, I also started simplifying my attention . I began asking: “Who do I truly want to give my time to?” That one question changed everything. 2. Quality Over Quantity In the past, I had too many “friends.” I’d spread myself thin, attending every gathering and replying to every message instantly. Now, I focus on fewer—but more meaningful—connections....

  Introduction When people hear "minimalism," they often picture empty rooms and capsule wardrobes. But there's another kind of clutter— digital clutter —that fills our minds more than our homes. In this post, I’ll share how I simplified my digital life while living in Japan, and why it’s been just as freeing as donating a box of clothes. 1. Understanding Digital Clutter Digital clutter comes in many forms: Thousands of unread emails Dozens of social media apps Notifications that never stop Files and photos you forgot existed It may be invisible, but its effect is very real— mental fatigue, distraction, and stress. 2. Why I Chose to Declutter Digitally I realized I was spending too much time on my phone. Even though I lived simply, my mind felt busy . I’d check my email while eating, scroll social media before sleeping, and jump between apps every few minutes. I knew something had to change. 3. Steps I Took to Declutter Here’s how I simplifie...

  Introduction What does a day look like when your life is free from clutter? Since embracing minimalism, my routine in Japan has become simpler, slower, and more intentional. I no longer rush through my mornings or overfill my schedule. Here’s a glimpse into my typical day as a minimalist living in Japan. Morning: A Slow, Grounded Start I wake up around 6:30 AM without an alarm. No phone scrolling. No blaring news. Just natural light, silence, and a cup of warm water. Instead of rushing, I spend the first 30 minutes doing light stretching or sitting in stillness. This simple routine sets the tone for a calm and focused day. I eat a small breakfast—usually rice and miso soup or toast and tea. Because I keep my kitchen uncluttered, meal prep is fast and stress-free. Late Morning: Meaningful Work Time Between 8 AM and noon, I focus on my main tasks—writing, studying, or freelance work. I use a clean, distraction-free desk. No piles of paper, no cluttered shelves. I k...

Introduction When people think about minimalism, they often picture clean white rooms, organized shelves, and fewer possessions. But for me, the real transformation happened inside. I didn’t become a minimalist just to declutter—I did it to find clarity, focus, and peace of mind. Owning less has helped me think more clearly, stress less, and live more intentionally. Here’s how minimalism improved my mental health and changed the way I experience life. 1. Less Clutter = Less Mental Noise Before minimalism, I didn’t realize how much my environment affected my mind. Drawers full of things I never used. Clothes I didn’t wear. Random cords and kitchen tools I forgot I had. Each item was like a little decision or memory that drained my energy. Once I began letting go, I felt a surprising lightness. My room looked better—but more importantly, my mind felt quieter. 2. More Focus and Mental Clarity Owning fewer things means making fewer decisions. I no longer waste time choosing o...

Introduction I live in Japan with very few belongings, and my kitchen is no exception. While some people have dozens of gadgets and drawers full of unused utensils, I cook all my meals using just five essential tools . This minimalist approach saves time, space, and decision-making energy. Whether you live in a small apartment, travel often, or just want to simplify your kitchen, here’s how I make it work with less. Why I Keep My Kitchen Minimal Japanese kitchens—especially in studio apartments—are compact. Mine has one small sink, two electric burners, and no oven. But that limitation has become a benefit. By choosing versatile tools and planning ahead, I’ve created a cooking space that feels peaceful, functional, and clutter-free. The 5 Tools I Use Every Day 1. Non-Stick Frying Pan I use this for everything from scrambled eggs and stir-fry to pancakes and reheated rice. A single, medium-sized non-stick pan with a lid can handle almost any meal. Bonus tip: Choose one wi...

  Introduction When I tell people I don’t own a bed, they often look confused—or even a little concerned. But since moving to Japan and embracing minimalism, sleeping without a bed has become one of the most freeing decisions I’ve made. Instead of a bulky frame and mattress, I sleep on a simple Japanese futon that I roll out each night. It saves space, reduces clutter, and has unexpectedly improved my sleep quality. Let me explain why I gave up the bed—and why I don’t plan on going back. Beds Take Up Too Much Space Japanese apartments are small. My living space is just under 10 square meters. Owning a traditional Western bed would dominate the entire room. By switching to a futon, I reclaim that space during the day. I can work, stretch, or sit on the floor with no bulky furniture in the way. The flexibility of a bed that disappears every morning is something I never imagined loving so much. What I Sleep On Instead Here’s my minimalist sleep setup: Futon mattress (f...

  Introduction Can you really eat well in Japan on less than $30 a week? Yes—and I’ve been doing it for months. As a minimalist living in Japan, my goal is to keep both my belongings and spending simple. Food is one of the easiest places to start. With a little planning and intention, you can eat healthy, satisfying meals on a small budget—and enjoy it. Here’s exactly how I do it every week, including my shopping list, favorite stores, and how minimalism shapes my meals. My Weekly Food Budget: Why $30? I chose a 4,500 yen (roughly $30 USD) limit to match my minimalist lifestyle and reduce waste. It also encourages creativity, healthier eating, and less impulse buying. It’s not about “starving” or strict dieting—it’s about intentional, low-cost nourishment . Where I Shop in Japan Here are my go-to stores for budget-friendly groceries: 🛒 Gyomu Super (業務スーパー): Great for bulk tofu, frozen veggies, and rice 🏪 Seiyu or Aeon : For basic fruits, miso, and eggs 🥬 Lo...