In November 2023, I didn’t just move apartments. I moved into an entirely new chapter of my life. Becoming a single mom meant recalibrating everything: my budget, my time, my priorities, and even my shopping habits. Suddenly, I found myself decluttering like my peace of mind depended on it (spoiler: it did). My story of living with less, and living more in Tokyo
Living With Less and Living More in Tokyo
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At first, minimalism wasn’t a choice; it was survival. But, somewhere between downsizing my skincare stash (RIP to the impulse buys of my early 30s) and streamlining my daily routine, I realized something: this less is more lifestyle? It actually suits me.
Turns out, decluttering isn’t just about clearing space in your home. It’s about making room for what truly matters. And as I approach 40 (with my SPF game stronger than ever, thank you very much), I’m more focused than ever on what actually makes me happy.
While my life in Japan has always nudged me toward intentional living, this past year solidified my commitment to simplifying. Less stuff, fewer distractions, and—let’s be real—fewer late-night online shopping regrets.
So, let me share how this shift came about and why it’s been one of the most transformative periods of my life.
(PS: If you’re here for my thoughts on aging gracefully in Japan, check out the 2nd most popular post of all time: Learning From the Japanese Approach To Anti-Aging Skincare )
The Joy of Doing More With Less
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One of the best lessons Japan has taught me? You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy life. My daughter and I love exploring Tokyo on a budget. This city is full of free and low-cost activities if you know where to look.
Take Japanese libraries, for example. They’re incredible and woefully underappreciated. Our local library system isn’t just for books; it offers workshops, movie screenings, and even business and fashion lectures. (Next month, they’re screening Citizen Kane. Fancy!)
My daughter and I visit two to three times a month, checking out everything from picture books to DVDs. And, throughout the year, the library hosts used book corners stall where anyone can pick up to six books for FREE.
Why I’m Hardly Online These Days
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If you’ve been following me for a while, you may have noticed I’ve been way less active on social media. And no, I didn’t join some tech-free cult—I just needed a break.
Here’s why:
- Privacy Matters: My ex-husband has a habit of lurking on my social media. He wasn’t involved in our daughter’s life when we lived together so why make it easy for him to play concerned parent now?
- Rediscovering Offline Life: Ironically, my former role as an Instagram PR spokesperson for Edogawa City helped me step back from the online world. I started focusing more on experiencing my surroundings instead of just documenting them for an algorithm.
- Minimalist Content Creation: I don’t believe in pushing unnecessary products. If I recommend something, it’s because I actually use it. That’s why you’ll keep seeing me hype up COSRX and TIRTIR. I’m not about to endorse a 15-step routine that no one has time for.
- Social Media Burnout: Losing my iPhone in Yokohama last November (actually, it fell into the canal, but that’s another story) was the unexpected push I needed to step away from constant scrolling.
- Community Connection: At the sento (Japanese public bath), there are no filters, no Photoshop, no pressure, just real, unfiltered people existing in peace. And honestly? That’s the kind of energy I need more of.
Taking a step back from social media has also helped me focus on what truly matters. My daughter and I now spend more time exploring Tokyo, visiting libraries, parks, and festivals, and living in the NOW.
For inspiration, check out my guide to low-budget, kid-friendly activities in Tokyo and 10 things to do in Edogawa City with kids!
Consumerism in Overdrive
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Japan does a lot of things well, but lately, I’ve noticed that seasonal events have become over-commercialized. It used to be charming when snacks and decorations subtly changed with the seasons. Now? It’s a full-on marketing blitz.
For example:
- Fall snacks hit shelves in late August.
- Halloween starts in mid-September and rolls right into Christmas.
- Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) barely ends before stores push ehomaki for Setsubun.
When I worked in a daycare, I loved teaching kids the meaning behind these celebrations like crafting origami pumpkins or making osechi dishes. Now? It feels like we’re losing that magic to constant consumerism.
On a lighter note, let me tell you about my first foray into Valentine’s Day madness in Japan.
Years ago, I dated a hip-hop dance teacher who loved chocolate. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is when girls gift chocolate to boys, so his young students (with some help from their parents) showered him with sweets.
The problem? He only liked plain milk chocolate. As in, I’d keep boxes of Meiji and Ghana milk chocolate bars in our fridge for him to snack on.
Guess who got all the “rejects”? Yours truly!
And I made sure to generously return the favor every White Day, on March 14, by making chocolates for his students with personalized thank you cards.
Looking back, I realize two things: (1) the parents totally knew but never let on; and (2) that Valentine’s Day wasn’t about the perfect chocolate. It was about the joy of giving (and me hoarding all the fancy truffles he refused).
Conscious Consumption in a Clutter-Free Home
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Japan’s strict trash-sorting rules (ゴミ分別 // gomi bunbetsu)will humble you real quick. My city has separate collection days for burnables, recyclables, and oversized items. If I buy something new, I know I’ll eventually have to deal with getting rid of it.
That’s why I’ve become more mindful of what enters my home. Instead of buying new toys, my daughter and I visit local recycle shops like Hard Off or browse flea markets. She loves the thrill of finding hidden treasures, and I love not contributing to clutter.
Likewise, seasonal craft workshops also reinforce the the concept of quality versus quantity and a realistic look at the cost of labor and materials. It’s not just about the monetary cost of goods or services but an additional appreciation of the production process.
Before I buy anything, I ask myself: “Will I still want this a year from now?” And if it does come home with me, I already have a plan for how it’ll eventually leave.
Minimalism, But Make It Realistic
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Let’s be real. I’m not out here living like a monk. There are certain conveniences I can’t (and won’t) give up.
- Uniqlo, GU, and MUJI? Staples. Affordable, durable, and practical for building a capsule wardrobe. (See more: My Favorite Places to Shop in Japan For Women’s Clothes and Shoes)
- Amazon Prime’s next-day delivery? A lifesaver for school supplies and emergency prep.
- My coffee habit? Non-negotiable.
In Japan, there’s a concept called kaizen (改善), or continuous improvement. It’s not about overnight transformation; it’s about making small, manageable changes. That’s how I approach minimalism: one thoughtful decision at a time.
Closing Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection
Minimalism wasn’t a choice at first. It was a necessity. But, over time, it’s become a conscious decision. Living with less has given me more: more time with my daughter, more experiences in my community, and more content that actually aligns with my values.
So whether it’s decluttering one drawer, stepping back from social media, or visiting your local library, remember: small changes lead to big transformations. Every step forward is progress.
