Emily’s Reviews > Japonisme: Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-sabi and more > Status Update

Read Shinrin-Yoku and Ikebana. Though hard to pick, my highlights were probably remembering komorebi, the proven effects of phytoncides and discovering kawaakari. I shall keep the Five Classic Walks list in mind for when I go over... Likewise, I would definitely like to get into Ikebana once I’m living alone and have my own time; perhaps the Japan Society at uni will know where to direct me.

Finished the Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi chapters. Bittersweetly reflective: the anecdote of ‘mono no aware’ hit hard, for it reminded me of many lasts I never realised were lasts during my final Botswana days, then again in my final Sixth Form days. I’ll never have them again and though it may sting, that is natural and a sign of progress. Though I was skeptical, I’m glad to be reading this book.

Completed the Ikigai (Purpose) chapter. So far I suspect that I’m not entirely the right audience: it would be more useful for someone struggling with lifestyle more than I do, and some lessons come across as simplistic. On the other hand, it is an easy, pleasant, aesthetic and unoffending read, and many of the lessons thus far are things I would have needed to hear a few years ago.

I’m excited! I must get back to studying 日本語 but hopefully this will get me back in the mood. It is also relieving to read about Japanese customs for healthy living from a Japanese-descended perspective.