7 ancient Japanese Habits that will make your Everyday Life more Simple and Happy

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Hey guys! Thanks for all your comments! I noticed some of you were wondering about my nails. Don’t worry, it’s not a disease or anything-just from indigo dyeing. Haha!

[@monikamarsollek3493]

😂💙

[@sarahsmith6396]

Good to hear that you haven't hit your thumb with a hammer! (which is what I thought when I saw your blue nail)

[@quickmsg428]

🤣🤣🤣 I thought got smash your fingers in car door😅

[@stephinarethabilemolisana9127]

Could you please tell me it's Rice, pickles and what

[@tb6303]

I watch this man's videos because I learn about the Japanese culture, and because he seems so happy. He's always smiling and upbeat. I really like that.

[@valerierogers9609]

As life's complexity increased so did chaos, stress, sadness.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

If you think life is like that you probably attract that kind of reality. In the past, I used to be very negative about this world, but it's not all bad. There are many beautiful things in this world. By focusing on the good parts, life becomes much more enjoyable:)))♡

[@kerryshultz9766]

Hi there 🙋🏻‍♀️. You are seeing life through the ego my friend. You need to tell it to take a back seat or go get a coffee 🙄 and then take the reins yourself 😰. Yes you are we all are spirit and importantly spirit is always spontaneous 😃. We needed the ego when we were very small children to separate from our mother and father or our prime caregivers. The ego taught us to say 2 very important words YES and NO. We were possibly taught boundaries and surprise we have to learn to dismantle those boundaries to become our true selves. No one can control anything except ourself. Blessings and Peace 🤹‍♀️♥️🌹.

[@СветланаПарфенюк-е4х]

Such a feeling of life may not always be subject to a simple effort of will to change. Each situation is individual and sometimes the phrase “stay positive” or “pull yourself together” can only make things worse, because a person is physically unable to do this due to certain bio-chemical processes in the body. In some cases, it is worth contacting a specialist for help, psychological or medicinal.

[@valerierogers9609]

@kerryshultz9766 I've got many decades on this planet darlin. Don't read too much into my comment and make your simple analysis of my life. I don't need your keyboard wisdom.

[@valerierogers9609]

@SamuraiMatcha I'm just fine, thank you. Attracted some pretty good reality, live simply, secure, and don't have most of the problems others have.

[@Vr0008]

If we could live like this, our world wouldn’t be as complicated as it is: full of created needs. Back to basics is good for ourselves and the planet. It is shown that it is possible. Thank you so much for sharing the Japanese culture.

[@TheMennomilist]

I love this so much. I grew up in an area prone to big floods, where so many people would throw all their stuff out from the water damage. If they lived in the way t hat they used to in Edo, it would have been easier for so many. I do not laugh as much as I once did. I became a bit more serious, and I am working on that. A lot has happened in the past few years, and I want to be way more joyful. Thank you for the reminders!

[@goldengriffon]

Very inspiring, thank you for the video! I enjoy living very mindfully and minimally, and have even replaced my traditional bed with a Japanese futon mattress. Most of my friends and family do not understand why I am limiting my life. They think it is sad, that I am depriving myself of enjoyment. But the truth is that these choices make my life more enjoyable and fulfilling, because I can appreciate everything I have or that I do much more fully. Meanwhile, most other people spend a lot of time running around doing dozens of things, scattering their attention among endless activities and distractions. It's no wonder they feel drained and unfulfilled!

[@PatriciaHollinger-ye6yv]

Very well said!!! Thank you 🙏❤️

[@xmiajx]

Your videos always put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing Japanese culture 🤗

[@videowatcheriAlberta]

Me too.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Arigatou♡

[@co-il-lusion]

07:20 That is actually the diet I follow in the temperate and cold months of the year, a pickle + raw veggie salad with feta cheese or some fish and a miso soup with half a square of ramen and some basic veggies (shiitake, leek, carrot and ruffled cabbage or broccoli) + some kombu powder. And a cup of sencha at the end, of course. It is like a ritual, really, preparing it every day, like kinda meditation practice.

[@Openyoureyes326]

Thank you, I learn how simplify my life and practice my English. Greetings from Colombia

[@ВераПолевнева]

Thank you for the smile, Aki-san. Stay happy and healthy.🙏😄

[@siona405]

Aki I love your enthusiasm. I have pared down so many belongings. It always makes me feel better.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you ❤︎

[@kerryshultz9766]

Thank you Samurai Matcha 🙏🏻. Your simple way of life is very appealing. Laughing was so hard for the 20 people + myself that a course teacher had to coax us to start laughing 😲. After a few attempts we gained more laughter and it still works. It's also good for our Vegas nerve. Thanks again 🙋🏻‍♀️🙏🏻.

[@evelineeenadya5863]

In our company, Japanese company in Indonesia also has 3 break times, 10 am, lunch and 3pm🥰😁

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Whattt?? so nice:)))

[@PlumIslandImports]

Glad you mentioned borrowing items. Some think it’s odd when I say that not every household needs to own a lawnmower, snowblower, etc.

[@DCB938]

I really enjoy your videos. I have adopted a few of your habits and they make feel good. I have always eaten just simple meals. One I don’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen, two I don’t like to spend a lot of money on food. I do eat rice with most of my meals. I live in the US but immigrated from Germany. I fell in love with rice after I moved to the US

[@Saknika]

I've said for a long time that I always find myself happier when I start to simplify my life. 💜

[@janetatuniquerawfoods2361]

Fortifying how to view and live simply rarely goes to waste when done well. Your enthusiasm makes good work I find. The common thread through some of these things looks like… happiness, gratitude, and respect. I find living by the sun… one of life’s great gifts… and it’s still hard to understand others constantly being loud during quiet times when it is dark. I laugh best with my cats… they have a better sense of humor than most people… although there are those people who are real gems and understand good joy. Thank you.

[@Filzlauszwei]

I have got so many belongings out of my home, and it makes my so much happyer ,i fill so much better.

[@Hosk8]

Thank for the unique and great content

[@Tasimmet]

Hello from Victoria, BC! Your videos are always so inspiring, thank you for these lovely tips 😊

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank youuu there will be a tea festival in Victoria soon!!!

[@Tasimmet]

@@SamuraiMatcha Yeah! I'm so excited to check out the festival!!

[@PeggyLeung-ev1vo]

Always enjoy your videos and inspired by the Japanese culture. Look forward to seeing your next video 😊

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Aki, funny hat… I once took a lesson in 'laugh yoga', und guess who was best: Heinz, the eldest of us all, in his eighties… we had so much fun together. His daughter was our teacher and his grandchild was with us, too. I love the simple food, too. The habit to pause from time to time is very important, too. Our neighbor is actually learning Japanese and I told her about you to strengthen her motivation. Love, Monika❣

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Laugh yoga!!! Sounds great!!

[@amorlinalibunao3025]

Yes we don't need all the luxury in this world to be happy. Leading a simple life with the family is enough for us to be happy💞

[@catniplovescake]

💫😸 thank you for this! 🙏📿 due to studying eastern spirituality during my life (Buddhism, Taoism)I have worked to learn non-attachment, and even though I've been raised in the U.S.A., this has helped me toward developing some of the habits you mention in this video and in your others (I was happy to replace my toilet seat with a brand-new one just today! 😹😹🙌)I cannot claim that I've achieved the level of minimalism you demonstrate in this video, I do the best I can to keep few but treasured posessions, keep my furnishings simple and well- made, so they last a long time, constantly review my wardrobe and give to charity the clothing I don't wear...I ~ am ~ happier when I live more simply! O yes, a few years ago I began to naturally wake around sunrise and quiet down for bedtime when the sun also goes to sleep...being in tune with the seasonal cycles of nature has inspired better use of my days, I believe...and yes, I have always cultivated a good sense of humor 🤗 thank you so much for these helpful videos! They are valuable guidance to last a lifetime 💫😸✨️😌

[@lana7422]

Love your creative videos. This one was especially enjoyable. Your English has become very fluent. Thanks for the fun and the reminder to laugh a lot!!!

[@anjafernandez758]

Your videos bring me so much joy ❤❤❤

[@almostzentv]

Incredible stuff as always !

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for always watching!

[@laranjito7]

You have a really good vibe! Makes me feel even more admired to japanese culture 😁

[@tangerinecrown]

Thank you for the video and history!😊

[@ladybirdcalypso7926]

Thank you! I have been following your channel for a while. Embracing a simple life helps me stay happy and avoid depression. Your channel is full of good reminders! Today, my take-away is to focus more on living by the sun, as well as ichiju-issai! I am going to make my rice now!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for telling me---!!! Yeah!!!

[@kaydixie5727]

Amazing and wise lifestyle. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@jameserwin3734]

Thank you so much! Your videos are loving, wise, spiritual, practical and inspiring. That was a big bowl of rice! Rice is such a clean soothing food. I need to start eating it 3 times daily.

[@stevenpace1849]

I love the beauty, simplicity, and humor of your videos. They put my heart in a special place. Greetings from your friend in Chicago.

[@ramachandrachaitanya623]

Am a monk trying to practice minimalism to the extent possible. Love your videos brother - love from India! :)

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Arigatou❤︎

[@smileart37]

Loved this video, Aki! The Edo period seems like it was a such a balanced time for the community and that wealth of life can be achieved through simplifying it. I will be trying out some of these!!

[@MargaretSkelly-w1q]

Hi Aki, enjoy your videos greatly have started on the minimalist path taking it slowly, and you are right a stress free life, I have even tried matcha tea which is difficult getting here in Ireland. Keep doing what you do your great.👍🇯🇵from M🇨🇮

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you M-san！

[@senflyer-]

Your vids always cheer me up! Thanks so much for doing them and spreading some positivity! 幸せな動画いつもうｐしてくれて、ありがとうございます!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

こちらこそありがとうございます。おかげさまです。Thank you for watching as usual. Okagesama:)))

[@claremiller9979]

Lots of food for thought here. I miss the smell of tatami, once I tried to find some in my country but it's extremely expensive as it has to be imported from Japan - beautiful but not really simple living from here! Finding other ways to bring calming natural scents into the home is good though, I have access to lots of eucalyptus for example and others may have easy access to pine.

[@ginadelvecchio9135]

Thank you for all this content. It’s very interesting! 🙌🏻

[@zsuzsablom6256]

I have added to my life some of the sensible habits you mention. All worthwhile. Thank you.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

♡

[@akapar]

I am also a big fan of ichaju issai. I like that it promotes eating balanced and well portioned meals and simplifies the question of what to cook. However since I am not in Japan, I try to apply it to a Mediterranean diet. So it will be sometimes rice, bulgur or pasta for me. Soup is not miso but some vegetable or meat based soup. For protein it's less fish but more beans, meat and chicken. Finally I usually replace pickles with salad or fruit.

[@FuesunHa]

I love it how they lived their life it sounds so peaceful. I feel myself very happy after watching your video. Thank you for the serotonin flash!😘

[@niconico4114]

i really enjoy your channel. thanks. ❤

[@CoffeesChypresBooks]

Hello, Aki-San - the samurai headpiece is hilarious. I enjoy your videos about Japanese culture, especially the solutions Japan comes up with to address everyday issues. Owning less, rental businesses, tatami. I’m definitely interested in the rice + soup + side dish eating style. Thank you for sharing!

[@jeanbellinger9770]

Thank you for your very engaging and informative content. I bought Edward S. Morse's book decades ago and fell in love with the classic Japanese houses and way of life.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

He did:))) Yes!!!

[@sorapikayue4271]

I love this! Some of it's not doable for me, but could probably do the taking care of things and the food thing. I have started eating Miso a lot more lately as well as rice. It's been so good for my very sensitive tummy.

[@tempertenchi]

your videos make me so happy Aki! thank you 🍵💚

[@jhgindia]

Very informative and nice content. Thank you

[@beakersmalls]

I adore your videos. ❤ they have helped me on my journey to minimalism Thank you

[@AM-bm2xw]

Loved this video! :) Thanks Aki!!😊

[@OliverSeager-b1m]

Love the vid have a great day aki

[@rastagirl007]

Thank you for these uplifting videos and information. i am now totally into natto and natto spices. 😊

[@Toby89-de1]

Hey Samurai Matcha, I'm always excited when I see a new video from you. In a stressfull life it's always my "safe space" watching your videos, calming down and hearing your thoughts about essentials and minimalism. + Your happy attitude and smileys are making me happy all the time, even when I had a rough day. - Long Story short: Just thank you for everything.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you Toby! I keep making videos for you!!!

[@jonyapry1307]

Awesome commentary

[@lanieparle1299]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@R-London7]

So delightful to watch. You’re a gem. Thank you. 👌🏽🙌🏽✨

[@ladylocust1118]

Not a minimalist but always enjoy your videos as I do believe in “enoughism.” (I made up that word.). What you say, especially number one was true in our country also. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy speaking with elders. We no longer lend or borrow because so few respect things and we’re so likely to receive the item back broken if at all 😕. Love the idea of being able to rent certain items.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

enoughism!!! love it!!

[@bastelkiste2242]

It's so interesting that the tatami mats release this special scent!

[@Geemeel1]

Hooray I am the 1K like for you 💫🙌🏽 Well done, great vid as usal

[@yvesvogelfrei453]

This sounds so good, I almost wish I could live in Edo era. Waking up with sunrise and going to bed with sunset would be a dream. Unfortunately employees can't deal with this. I have to get up in the dark, sit on my desk till my legs hurt. Still this video is truly inspiring. Simple food is a goal for me and only possessing things I really need - that is still a dream I am working on. Thank you so much for your uplifting videos. Very appreciated. :)

[@TheMessOfFate]

Thank you so much for sharing this! 🎉

[@sueboberki]

Good day Samurai!) Thank you for the educational videos about your amazing country! In connection with the comparison of the past and the present, I have long had the lines: In the Edo period, sages on the cracks in the turtle shell told fortunes about the future. Who will tell our fortunes on the cracks in the asphalt shell?!

[@Carina-2906]

Thank you for this video. We have something new to learn every day.

[@tuula64]

Thank you. Kiitos❤I always wait your videos😊 they make me happy🐝

[@DE-Nina]

Thank you for these good and useful informations. I will implement some things from now on, cause I am longing for it since longer time. Blessings to you, dear Samurai Matcha, and greetings from Germany 🙏🏽

[@share.theworld]

Thank you for this I love Edo so much

[@lauraschoppa3807]

You inspire me to be a minimalist!

[@nesxya]

Thank you for the smiles and joy you bring. You are a gift to us all. 💝

[@josephr9551]

Aki, I have learned so much from you! Thank you for your videos!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you Josephr!!

[@theodorelux]

Fantastic love it brother! Hope to visit Japan's smaller towns and countryside soon and experience some of that authentic traditional lifestyle, I'm all about it! Been trying to be minimal and spread joy too!!!! And my diet consists of 70% rice and 0% meat!!

[@GildaKNotarbartolo]

love this and Japanes culture :) Thank you for sharing

[@Freewheeling6060]

Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Yea!

[@krizrozz610]

Beautifull , thank you!!

[@ninagandersson9573]

Your videos makes me happy😀😀🙏

[@karlschreiber9286]

Dear Aki, good habits. Thank you. We could learn a lot. Long live good Samurai worldwide. Japanese products known for their longevity.

[@yta23xp]

Beautiful video! 🙏🏻⭐️💜😊🌞

[@brodyanderson9339]

As always, a great video. Thanks for sharing. I truly appreciate how positive you are while sharing with us.

[@barbharrington2903]

I love your posts!❤❤❤

[@YTbyPA]

Grettings from Pole living in UK ❤

[@jelynsanchez7422]

I love old lifestyle too

[@CatoBrzl]

Uma aula sobre cultura e boa vida. Obrigado! 🙏🏼

[@DJ_Zing]

I love your videos. It's a great way to keep me grounded in today's crazy world.

[@みぃ-f5l5m]

私も江戸時代に興味があってちょこちょこ調べますが、昔のリサイクルはすごいですね。抜けた髪も鼻をかんだチリ紙もリサイクルさせてたそうで。上手く現代に取り入れていけるといいですよね。

[@paquialonso4546]

Ooooooh, amazing!❤

[@ElisiasEvolution]

Lovely tips! when you have children they accumulate things though just have to be mindful

[@beelively346]

Thanks for the helpful tips that really help ❤

[@dorothybell6905]

Thank you for reminding me that I don’t need so much things to be happy

[@kushig2932]

Samurai san's were mainly vegans! I love it! dinner conversation with my Japanese home stay mum. watashimo ichiju issai yatte mimasu. :) 🤩

[@jennyharwood6379]

This is great! 😊

[@faithcritchfield1066]

I love your hat Samurai Matcha! It definitely brought me a good laugh

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you❤︎

[@Krishnavee]

Hi Samurai Matcha, I am from India new to ur channel....enjoying.....will explore more about Japan through ur videos.... Thank you, God bless you May ur channel grow more...

[@GayanthaDK]

Thank you so much❤

[@practicalpen1990]

I live in a tiny apartment (barely 59 m2), I can't believe I could house 7 nagaya!!!

[@FuesunHa]

my apartment is only 37m2 more less then yours and I don't call it tiny because its enough. I wouldn't like to have a bigger one.

[@lingao6319]

I truly enjoy watching your videos. Greetings from Paris

[@SamuraiMatcha]

thank you❤︎

[@sallycormier1383]

Thanks for the laughs! 😂❤

[@Elkinmaf1]

Thank you!

[@marcelaolivares3320]

Love your information❤

[@SamuraiMatcha]

♡

[@AnkitaSharma1111.]

Amazing 🌷

[@aligecer9389]

Değerli paylaşımlarınız için çok teşekkür ederiz.Selamlar.

[@wafaa-tn6lc]

Thank you

[@anamorphicalan]

great content you improved well as director and production value

[@SamuraiMatcha]

I'm so honored😄

[@dorothy8495]

I wonder if eating like those in the Edo period would let me get over my sugar addiction...? Nothing else works, so I guess this is worth a try. 😊

[@kerim.peardon5551]

I broke my sugar addiction back in January. I was eating a LOT of sweets, twice a day (or more) and I got diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I knew that was a road I did NOT want to go down, but it took a while to work up the willpower to quit. For me, it took 3 weeks of cold turkey before I was finally over it (although the first 2 weeks were harder than the last), but some people can get over it in as little as 1. I assume it depends on how bad your addiction is. I allowed myself fruit, but when you've been on sugar, it doesn't taste sweet at all. (It will once you've been off sugar a while, though.) I mainly got through it by just eating more. After dinner, when the cravings were the worst, I usually ate a bacon sandwich. After that, I was so stuffed, I didn't want to eat anything else--sugar or otherwise. That's how I got past the cravings. Even with eating more, after the first week, I started to lose weight. After 3 weeks, my mother noticed I looked slimmer. From Jan to June, I lost a dress size and I'm close to being down another one--certainly I will have it before the end of the year. Recently, after watching a Tucker Carlson interview with Dr. Casey Means and her brother Callie Means, I have sworn off ultra-processed foods as well. I no longer find myself nodding off in the afternoons, desperately wanting a nap. My energy is much more steady throughout the day. I also noticed some improvement with achiness in various parts of my body (i.e. inflammation).