32 photos that show how obsessed Japan is with minimalism

Minimalism is taking over. Figures like Marie Kondo are becoming famous by spreading the gospel of throwing everything out and keeping just what you need.

The movement is most prominent in Japan, where the influence of Zen Buddhism instills a desire for simplicity. For them, less is more.

There’s also practical concerns: It’s cheaper to be a minimalist. And because Japan is regularly beset by earthquakes, it doesn’t always make sense to have a lot of valuable possessions lying around in your house. Nearly half of earthquake injuries come from falling objects.

Take a fascinating look into the sparse aesthetic of minimalism:


In Japan, some bedrooms are so stripped down, they don’t even have beds.

In Japan, some bedrooms are so stripped down, they don't even have beds.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

What does a minimalist keep in his fridge? Not much.

What does a minimalist keep in his fridge? Not much.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The bathrooms also keep it simple.

The bathrooms also keep it simple.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

This one couldn’t be more austere. There aren’t any consumerist products in sight.

This one couldn't be more austere. There aren't any consumerist products in sight.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Sink counters exist to keep stuff on them. All you need is a toothbrush, and that doesn’t require one.

Sink counters exist to keep stuff on them. All you need is a toothbrush, and that doesn't require one.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

A window ledge can be just as useful as a sink counter.

A window ledge can be just as useful as a sink counter.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Everything has its place.

Everything has its place.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Just one spoon and one fork is necessary.

Just one spoon and one fork is necessary.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Minimalist Saeko Kushibiki stores away her futon mattress in her apartment. Out of sight, out of mind.

Minimalist Saeko Kushibiki stores away her futon mattress in her apartment. Out of sight, out of mind.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Even living rooms are de-cluttered. The only furniture here is a desk and chair.

 Even living rooms are de-cluttered. The only furniture here is a desk and chair.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

…and sometimes not even a chair.

...and sometimes not even a chair.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

It’s all about having only simple objects…

It's all about having only simple objects...

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

…but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful.

...but that doesn't mean they can't be beautiful.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The lack of furniture means more space to stretch out.

The lack of furniture means more space to stretch out.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

It’s easy to keep your kitchen counter clean if you don’t have much to put on it.

It's easy to keep your kitchen counter clean if you don't have much to put on it.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

This ceiling lamp is just a plain white circle.

This ceiling lamp is just a plain white circle.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Because there aren’t many items in the first place, the ones you need are easy to find.

Because there aren't many items in the first place, the ones you need are easy to find.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

They’re easily within reach.

They're easily within reach.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Hanging objects on simple hooks is a clean, popular storage strategy among minimalists.

Hanging objects on simple hooks is a clean, popular storage strategy among minimalists.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Part of the minimalist philosophy is keeping together the objects that belong together.

Part of the minimalist philosophy is keeping together the objects that belong together.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

It’s a way to de-clutter your life…

It's a way to de-clutter your life...

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

…and your mind.

...and your mind.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Each object has its own place and purpose.

Each object has its own place and purpose.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

But sometimes minimalism means not owning a mop.

But sometimes minimalism means not owning a mop.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

There’s a certain beauty to it.

There's a certain beauty to it.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

There’s nothing to distract you.

There's nothing to distract you.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

And you never need to think about which pot to use for which dish.

And you never need to think about which pot to use for which dish.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Windows and decorations don’t compete with each other.

Windows and decorations don't compete with each other.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

And some scenes are perfect for Instagram.

And some scenes are perfect for Instagram.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

…even in the least likely situations.

...even in the least likely situations.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

You get to think of your possessions in a fresh way.

You get to think of your possessions in a fresh way.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The negative space speaks louder than the spaces filled with stuff.

The negative space speaks louder than the spaces filled with stuff.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter