Minimalist Life in Japan: How I Live with Only 20 Items

 

Introduction

Living in Japan with only 20 personal items may sound extreme. But for me, it's freedom. Minimalism isn’t about owning nothing—it's about choosing what matters most. Since moving to Japan, I've discovered that fewer things mean more clarity, less stress, and a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

In this post, I’ll share the exact 20 items I own, why I chose each one, and how living with so little has completely changed my daily life.

Why I Chose Minimalism in Japan

Japan is a country that celebrates simplicity—think Zen temples, tatami rooms, and uncluttered design. When I arrived, I was inspired by this cultural mindset. At the same time, Japanese apartments are famously small. My first room was just 10 square meters.

I realized I didn’t need more space—I needed fewer things.

My 20 Essential Items

Here’s everything I own (excluding consumables like food or shampoo):

🧳 Clothing (8 items)

  1. One pair of jeans

  2. One pair of black pants

  3. Two T-shirts

  4. One long-sleeve shirt

  5. One hoodie

  6. One jacket

  7. One pair of sneakers

  8. One set of underwear & socks (rotated daily)

Laundry every night = no cluttered closet.

💻 Work & Tech (4 items)

  1. Laptop

  2. Smartphone

  3. Headphones

  4. Power bank

These four items support both my work and personal entertainment.

🏡 Home Essentials (5 items)

  1. Thin futon mattress

  2. Single pillow

  3. Foldable chair

  4. Compact table

  5. Blanket

No bed, no couch—just clean, open space and peaceful sleep.

🍴 Kitchen Basics (3 items)

  1. One bowl

  2. One mug

  3. One pair of chopsticks

I eat simply, usually cooking once a day and reusing everything.

Daily Life with Just 20 Items

  • Morning: Wake up, fold my futon, and enjoy tea by the window.

  • Work: Laptop at the small table with lo-fi music. No distractions.

  • Evening: Stretch, cook rice and veggies, read or write, sleep early.

This rhythm gives me calm and focus. I spend almost nothing on stuff and more on experiences—like trips to Kyoto or walks in nature.

Benefits I Didn’t Expect

1. Less Decision Fatigue

No “what should I wear?” or “where’s my charger?” moments.

2. More Money

Minimalism naturally limits spending. I saved over $500/month compared to before.

3. Deeper Appreciation

I take better care of my items. Everything has a purpose, so everything feels valuable.

Is It Always Easy?

No. Sometimes I miss having more outfits or extra tools. When friends visit, I don’t have space to host. But overall, I’ve never felt lighter, both mentally and physically.

And remember: minimalism isn’t a competition. It’s a personal journey. For you, 50 items might be perfect. For someone else, it’s 200. My number is just my way of saying: you probably need less than you think.

Final Thoughts

Living with 20 items in Japan has taught me what truly matters.
It’s not things—it’s time, health, relationships, and peace of mind.
If you’re curious about minimalism, start small.
Pick five things you haven’t used in a month—and let them go.
You might just discover, like I did, that less really is more.

Want to try minimalist living abroad?
Let me know in the comments—or share how many items you live with!


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