A Little Book of Japanese Contentments: Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-sabi, and More Kindle Edition

I stumbled across this by accident and I am so happy I did. I feel I know more about just being myself and know how to relax without having to stress about it. The recipes are absolutely wonderful! I love it when I feel I get new imported knowledge about more than just a culture, but also about life. I’m probably going to by the paperback, because this is a book to return to often. Wonderful from start to finish.

I’m very familiar with Japanese culture, so none of this was new. It is a pleasant stroll through the cultural landscape, most of which can be included in anyone’s life.

A trip to Japan will definitely show you how much there is to know about the people and culture. Since my trip I have longed to learn more. Good guide

BEAUTIFUL CONDITION AND EXCELLENT PRICE. VERY APPRECIATED.

I bought this book because I wanted to rate and review it, in an effort to counterbalance the sole, misguided negative review. I’m no one’s white knight, but I am a published author, so I’m all too aware of the unchecked influence of the snarky reviewer anxious to show off their knowledge who winds up falling in love with the sound of their own voice.Apparently, that reviewer is not aware that this book is a hit in other parts of the world, including England (perhaps because it’s published there under a different title, Japonisme.) And the fact that Longhurst is a blogger is actually a point in her favor; with fewer and fewer books being published each year, publishers are likely to take a chance on first-time authors only if they already have a guaranteed readership through their blog. As far as the author being half-Japanese… I can only see this as a plus. If nothing else, I’m sure she was anxious to find out as much as she could about that side of her heritage.So, what’s the writing like? Not bad. It’s true, Longhurst can be a bit flighty sometimes, leaving us wanting more about a topic. Perhaps she’s afraid of boring the reader – this may well be an artifact of blogger style. But it is nice and breezy, more of a bathroom book than something you’d want to read cover-to-cover in one sitting. So, if I were to be fair, I’d give A Little Book of Japanese Contentments four stars. But because Amazon’s rating system favors the Grinch, I’m giving it five stars, to even things up a little.

I got this for myself a couple of years ago, and have now given it as a gift 10 times (I counted)! I like her informative chapters and the no-pressure tips for a calmer, more fulfilled life that go along with them. Also I find it esthetically pleasing - illustrations, size and binding quality. Someone pooh-poohed it because it’s a new version of the book previously published as “Japonisme” but who cares? Same good content, better layout. Win win.

From the perspective of a Westerner, this is a great little book that gives a peak into Japanese practices. What stood out is how so much of Japanese way is process oriented and how practice and patience is usually what brings the person to master the process. I also loved the insight on community, shared meals and living spaces that are transformative.A short read. But a good read.

The best part about this book were the bits about Japanese culture, the information. There are so many interesting aspects of Japanese culture that we Americans could benefit from, this book touches on a lot of them. I was not a huge fan of the other fluff included in the book, overall worth a read though, I got mine used for very cheap.