This note was originally shared in my weekly newsletter, Letters from Japan (and LA) — a slow and personal space where I write about Japan, culture, and life between two homes. 💌
I’m currently writing this in a cafe on a rainy, blustery day in Tokyo.
Tokyo is giving major autumnal vibes with the cooler temps, on-and-off rain sprinkles, and the slow changing of the leaves (see below).
On this rainy day, all I can think about is how perfect this wildly “imperfect” day is.
I had a full day planned, with sights and moments I wanted to see and capture on camera; however, Mother Nature had other plans for me today.
Basically, I was caught in a major rainstorm with no umbrella or hooded jacket.
I also didn’t bring my waterproof camera, so….
Instead, I ducked into the nearest coffee shop, ordered a seasonal latte with a warm scone, and sat by a window with prime “people watching” views.
It was in this moment that I was reminded of the Japanese phrase: Wabi-Sabi.
Simply put, Wabi-Sabi is the finding beauty in imperfection. It’s a phrase that can be applied to everything from beauty aesthetics to a way of viewing life.
For example:
- Appreciating handcrafted items with their different stroke variations in the painted designs (over the cookie-cutter machine-made ones you’d find at IKEA). → The imperfection is what makes the piece a one-of-a-kind and VALUABLE.
- Valuing the aging process of items over time (think books with bent spines and notes written in them or the development of patina on your pewter tea cups) → Signs of wear make the object DISTINCTIVE and tell a story.
- Finding peace after an unexpected curveball during your travel day, instead of focusing on how the day should’ve happened. → You get to walk away with a unique travel story and an opportunity to make decisions in the present.
The Western world’s concept of beauty is so concerned with perfection, universal laws, and symmetry.
Whereas wabi-sabi finds peace and a deep appreciation for life and things as they are.
✨ How can you apply the concept of wabi-sabi to something in your life, right now?
Outside of reframing how this day turned out, I’ll be using wabi-sabi in my creative endeavors as well.
My goal is to share these Japan stories and guides to be as helpful and inspiring as possible. However, my own perfectionism can get in the way.
With wabi-sabi in mind, I’m prioritizing taking action & creating > perfection.
Because imperfect is better than perfect.
➡️ Read Next: Exploring the Meaning of Wabi-Sabi (& How to Apply It to Your Life)
(Fun fact: This was one of my first blogs written on lifestylebyremi.com.)
💭 Quote
“The simplicity of the Japanese tea room reflects the ideal of wabi. The wear of age, the irregularities of handmade utensils—these are not flaws but virtues.” — Kakuzō Okakura, The Book of Tea
I love this quote because it highlights finding grace in simplicity and the wear of aging, rather than chasing uniformity. Another example would be appreciating the little variations that make a handmade item unique (and one-of-a-kind).
Until next time,
Remi
“From Japan (and LA)”
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Watch Next
In the following vlog, you’ll spend a cozy rainy day in Tokyo with me. It was another moment where Mother Nature had other plans for me — but my day turned out imperfectly perfect. I hope you enjoy it!
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