Why I became an extreme minimalist?

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
This is the video about 3 reasons why I became an extreme minimalist.
Enjoy watching!!
WHO AM I:
Welcome to samurai matcha journey! I'm Aki, a minimalist, kimono style school teacher in Japan. I make videos about my usual life in really country side of Japan. You can enjoy beautiful scenery, learn about Japan, and pick up some interesting lifestyle tips.
WHAT I LIKE:
Minimal lifetyle
Kimono
Chado(The way of making tea)
Anime(Ghibli)
Japanese food
CONNECT WITH ME:
BLOG samuraijourney...
INSTAGRAM / samuraimatcha.journey
FACEBOOK / mizuno.akihito​
GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, feel free to email me at [e-mail] I try my best to reply to things but there sadly aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everyone...

[@PrimordialChaos07]

I felt devasted when you said you became homeless, hoping homelessness in Japan meant something different. The obstacle was truly your way. Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration 🙏🏽

[@SamuraiMatcha]

I'm glad to hear that! Thank you;-D

[@theunknowngamer2397]

I love this and hope more people understand that minimalism isn’t just an Instagram hashtag. When a person has a real reason behind their minimalism, it really changes the whole goal and becomes the backbone to the rest of your life. After my mom passed away and we had to get rid of her house, seeing the literal rooms full of stuff that no one would be able to keep and the cost we ended up spending to have it all removed woke me up to the needless spending and hoarding of items in my own life. I had to accept that none of things I own are going to go with me when I pass on, so I should learn to cherish my life without stuff and just enjoy the simple act of breathing and hearing the birds sing every morning.

[@marias8007]

I can just imagine you as a super host ... you're so positive and entertaining and generous with your knowledge. i think you're just one of those people who will be successful at whatever they do

[@AliciaGomar]

You could say tha life forced you to minimalism but at the end of the day is about making smart decisions. I love the way you made from a problem an opportunity! Love your channel, go ahead!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you Alicia-say👍 Sure!!

[@dulcedeinvierno1]

The yakuza felt so envy...poor guy.

[@dantecatingub255]

😊

[@dantecatingub255]

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[@MustafaKulle]

The fact that you picked yourself up after dealing with hardship is a sign of immense strength. I absolutely commend you. For me I became a minimalist since I came back from a pilgrimage to Japan 4 years ago. I used to buy a lot of unnecessary things too. But now I am living with less. It's liberating.

[@mariavictoriasalita5273]

Please teach me how to start minimalism.

[@marctran4745]

I was shocked at the behavior of the owner, but I think everything can't beat you then make you stronger. Love your minimalism living now. Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Yes, That situation taught me many lessons and made me stronger. I hope you enjoy my videos.

[@visva6446]

It was a pleasure to listen to your life story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Elizabeth Gilbert has a quote, “Ruin is a gift. It’s the road to transformation.” It must have been painful to lose everything you worked so hard for, but I think the lose gave you an opportunity to go on an amazing journey in the Americas. (WOW) and build a new life. I am looking forward to seeing more videos. Please tell me more about your school. Good luck.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for your really nice comment! Yeah, every cloud has a silver lining. Because that painful experience, Im able to talk with you right now;-D

[@upulieh]

I am a 25 year old from a third world country trying to live life one day at a time. I’m so glad I came across this video. All your videos are so inspirational !

[@tonilafountain636]

The desert is a great teacher of minimalism.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Yes!!

[@clcwqhd]

I started by watching the 10 things I don’t own videos and want to say these have been a great inspiration. I still live with my parents and the amount of excess with which they live is repulsive to me. My grandfather, who lives simply in his fifth wheel, told me about how he wanted to own his possessions rather than being owned by his possessions, and I took that to heart. I began shopping at thrift stores from a young age and soon accumulated a toxic amount of things. I am still recovering from this, trying to avoid buying more things, frequently trying to get rid of the excess things that I have and simplify my life so that I can live meaningfully and with purpose rather than being in the pursuit of wealth or an imaginary idea of success. Thank you for making these videos. I look forward to more.

[@angeladelmar9362]

Your minimalist journey is truly fascinating. You are inspiring many of us to get out of consumerism. Simple living gives more room to appreciate nature and people plus it lessens pollution. Sending my appreciation all the way from the Philippines!! 🇵🇭🌈💕

[@QuynhPham-vq3fy]

I study abroad, and have to rent room, then gotta move quiet a lot. First time moving house was nightmare 😅 I had way too many clothes, pots, many unessessary items (hard to move, and I had to worry alot about those stuff). I threw away some, then I learnt about minimalist. I am still practicing and trying to make my life lighter everyday. Minimalist 's just not downsizing my stuff, but it 's been very helpful for my mental health. Thank you so much for sharing with us 🙏

[@fionablack3409]

Wow what a journey you have been thru. I thought you were a strange person who chose to be an extreme minimalist but after seeing this video I had a change of mind and I really respect you. Thanks for sharing. It means a lot bcuz I too was once homeless until I got my apartment five years ago and started my minimalist journey. Thanks again for sharing

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for your nice comment! I'm happy to know you have similar experience as you. Let's do our best together!

[@fionablack3409]

@@SamuraiMatcha Yes thank you

[@DavidGatto]

One thing people despise is seeing someone happy and successful- misery loves company, so they start a company and make misery. I spent 6 months living out of the back of my pickup truck while attending UCLA- spent my days (after school) at the beach and my nights sleeping in the shadow of the Federal building. My GPA was 3.4 during this period.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for sharing your story!! and Thank you for watching my video.

[@palestblue]

I'm so sorry you had to go through so much hardship. Seeing the house torn down after all the work and money you put into it must have been devastating. You are so strong and such an inspiration for picking yourself up and growing from the experience. I think your students are very lucky to have such an inspirational teacher!

[@beekerbod4072]

What a wonderful story about taking a negative situation and turning in such a positive direction. You are very inspiring! ❤

[@NicholasGarofola]

I just found your channel today, and I'm absolutely hooked. I love everything you said and showed!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks Nicholas! I'll keep doing my best!

[@paggi93]

I seriously binge watch your videos! They’re inspiring, to the point, and so calming to watch! And my love for Japan and matcha 🍵 grew even more with your traditional way of representing videos which I love watching in Animes and other Japanese videos! Thank you!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you too;-D

[@Dogsnark]

A sad story, but a happy ending! You illustrate so well the Buddhist teachings concerning attachment and desire as the sources of suffering. I wish you continued success on your chosen path of minimalism.

[@erikamonihen8873]

You, sir, are so inspiring to me. I have lived a very chaotic life. I have moved many times and to this day live paycheck to paycheck with no guarantee that I will be able to make rent. I can truly appreciate your strength to overcome and to let go. I am happy to see you thrive. I pray for a lighter life as well. Your story will shape lives. Keep going!

[@starrysloth8018]

I will never become an extreme minimalist but still I got inspired by your video, because you showed us how it is possible for us to make big (positive) changes in our lifestyle, as long as we set our mind to it, and as long as we find the purpose for doing so. Thank you for sharing with us your story! I started to become more minimalist 1year ago and still far from being a minimalist but taking it step by step.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks you for your great comments!! Let's do our best together!

[@erakkovaatainen148]

@@SamuraiMatcha I am not extreme minimalist either. Do you count your stuff? I feel like I am counting everything. Right now stuff in my house including cleaning and hygiene products is 397 or so. I do feel it's still too much, but is it about numbers? I live happy life and so do you. At least it seems so. His story was really great. I'll learn from it.

[@vezliogreiciu]

Super. Almost all your videos watching is working like relax therapy. Do what you do, this is good thing 😇🙏

[@paulina3062]

Adversaries lead us to more quality of life. We value our time and ourselves more.

[@yumiyumide1]

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I love you!

[@cse23]

Thanks for being an inspiration towards minimizing things that aren’t needed in my life. It is amazing what I thought I needed that I really didn’t need when I had a major change in my life. Love people, use things.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

I don't need much things but I also think things make our life happier.

[@nikkijubilant]

Hi I agree Love people and use things♥️

[@carstenvp]

At first I got ever so sad, all that heartache seeing your life being torn apart, it must have been so so devastating. Having watched a few of your videos, I can also see how you now blossom in a life with few possessions but rich in life. You are inspirational and I hope my wife and I can learn to live our lifes without unnecessary possessions that clutter lifes true meaning which of cause is individual. Many thanks for sharing your life with us. Regards Carsten

[@malachibryson62]

I love your channel! You've inspired me to make my life minimalist as well!

[@lisalisa3515]

Wow! You went through a lot for someone so young. I understand your reasoning for becoming an extreme minimalist. I started minimalism because my parents are hoarders. In their old age, they can no longer manage and I had to take over. I promised myself that when I am old, I would live freely, without worry over posessions nor burdening others on housework.

[@moniquemcgill2467]

You have lead such an interesting life, such a cool person :) wish there was more people like you in the world love ur videos hello from New Zealand

[@somethingamazing9969]

Everything happened because your destiny was here to connect world and to teach us good way of living . Always thanks for your efforts.本当にありがとう。

[@WhipRunner]

thank you for showing the way. when life gives you lemons make lemonade, you've demonstrated perfectly.😅 arigato❤

[@abednegoosindiaob]

I have been looking for tips on DECLUTTERING. This channel is helping me do that day by day. ありがとう❗️

[@alixmordant489]

The story of your homelessness and the way it happened to you made me sad. It also reminds me of the situation my parents are in right now. Their rental house sold recently and now, after 34 years of living there, the owner wants them out. They are neither young nor healthy and my mother is rather a maximalist. Too much to take it all to a new place. Losing lots of her stuff will make her feel awful. Plus, the rent in their area is much higher then what they paid so far for their apartment. So my mother has to leave her beloved area, where she spent all her life. It is not easy for both of them. I wish they could cope near as good as you did. Your response to the situation, adopting minimalism as a good way to live a full and rich life, is an inspiration. Own less, live more. I think it is a logical step forward that many of us should consider. Consumerism is a con, fraud. It holds neither real value nor does it give security.

[@SadhuBiochemist]

Also Buddhism teaches to embrace change; nothing is permanent. Stoicism teaches to embrace every day as good, for when you are dead, you cannot enjoy life.😮😊

[@barbaraseiler9750]

It is beautiful to see how your minimal lifestyle is not hard or sad, gritting teeth, but evidently brings you joy, wellbeing, good mood, generosity and humour!

[@beal5328]

I recognised something I relate to in your story. In a different way, I also suffered something in my life of extreme trauma and loss. My life was ruined. After that, so many things that I used to want and keep just seemed so insignificant. My perspective on things changed- I already lost so much, what else can be worse? The truly valuable thing is living your life in the best way in this moment, and those memories that will be your life and legacy. You look so happy and free, you are living your best life!

[@randomatwork15]

You are so inspirational and this was such an interesting story! I’m glad that you’re happy now. I’m going to move to Japan in the future and I hope to one day live like you do.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

If you come to Japan, please visit me;-D

[@dusicau510]

I like your story!👍Even though the start was rough, you managed to persevere and open up to a new (minimalistic) life!🌹

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for watching my video! Yes! Thanks to these experiences.

[@federicasardanelli9019]

Maybe the old house is gone but the good memories of your guests will last and will be an anchor in bad times. So your hard job has reached his aim.

[@chidenisee]

Ive started decluttering over the last 2 years and I've learned so much about my self. I am not an extreme minimalist but I am almost finish decluttering and soon to be a minimalist. I want to mover seas with my son in 2 years.

[@jelynsanchez7422]

My dear samurai matcha I really admire your minimal life. You inspire me everyday to live my life to the fullest. A year ago my husband left me for another woman and I feel devastated. Glad I found your chanel in youtube. Thank you somatcha

[@Elineyy]

Ur such an inspiration 🤌🏻💙🌈 ... I've started minimising unnecessary things in my life too once I saw the contents in ur channel..

[@songsparrow4324]

I have a friend who visited Japan. It CHANGED her life forever. She tore out her previously magnificent garden and put in a Japanese style garden . . also magnificent! She built an addition onto her house - - Japanese styled. It has gotten more cluttered thru the years but is quite lovely.

[@minyoungkim7173]

I never thought about a minimalist life seriously but after watching your video, I felt a strong urge to follow your philosophy. I've just started my journey to be a minimalist, someday I want to meet you and talk with you about the change you've triggered. Plus, I'll always root for your minimalist voyage.

[@Mikehero69_]

What an incredbile story. I really like how your bike trip forced you to minimise to only the essentials and so the same experience helped you minimise when you went back to Japan.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for watching my video! Yes, those experiences helped me become a minimalist;-D

[@syuczul]

I'm in the process to move in with my husband after 7 months got married. It'd be our first shared space which is room attached with a bathroom. We can't afford a house yet. Your videos helped us alot in putting minimalist lifestyle into practise.

[@Frkdsnbrd4103]

Thanks for the inspiring story. I frequently remind myself not to buy anything unnecessary because of impermanence and just use the money I save to pay for experiences that bring me joy.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for your nice comments! Yeah, we can use money for experiences!!

[@CoralJustice]

You're a real inspiration! Thank you for sharing your life story, it sounds like you overcame some serious obstacles and learned so much in the process.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks!! Yes!! It’s a funny story now;-)

[@nagarjuna1008]

From knowing the impermanence of life, it’s how we actually live a minimalist style of life.

[@wavechamber]

your honest 'monologue' of how you became a minimalist is very moving that touches human soul. I wish i could meet you and be friend with you someday and at somewhere.

[@agama7752]

Oh my.. Such a said story...with your business. I thought there must have been something behind deciding on being minimalistic. Thank you for sharing and inspiration

[@chrrylkwiatkowski4856]

You are amazing. I'm so sorry for the horrible way you were treated. You did the right thing. There's no price for peace. You made the most of that disaster. The greatest roofing and just living well and you don't need to be connected bad people. You are blessing me so very much with your videos.

[@songsparrow4324]

I LOVE THIS . . and Love all your KZbin Videos. . . Brilliant - - you are a light in the darkness. How lucky you had such a good friend to help you in difficult times. . I've had difficult times also. . . . you inspire me to go on . . to continue. Many Blessings to you!

[@glorialiu7536]

Such an inspirational story! It needs discipline and determination to become minimalist and refuse so many commercial traps in modern life! But if you can really enjoy the minimalist life style, you can continue the journey without any pain.

[@grumpyygoose]

I’m sorry you lost your place, but I think you gained such a wonderful life perspective and are now sharing it with others (:

[@EvaKumova]

Thank you, this video is maybe the most important for me. I pilgrimed in Spain 3 times walking, 6 weeks, 2 weeks and this year 4 weeks, then came back home and lived in my full house again. Thank you, my teacher! I will think, meditate and learn. Arigató!

[@EvaKumova]

And much more than other, I remembered it only a little later, the most important for me was to see the mess in your home before starting to become a minimalist! I always imagined the japanese homes empty and clear, all the stuff hidden in buid-in-wardrobes behind sliding doors! And only by reading the books of MariKondo I knew that many women have unworn dresses with even product labels on clotehes, many books in the floor. Thank you than, my teacher, for to show us and for to confess that the emptyness is not such a well bred or good manered tradition from the mothers education!

[@rosegreensummer]

i am really sorry about you losing your business, you worked so hard for it. I'm so glad you managed to pick yourself up again. But remember something i learned by saying it during an argument: "you don't have enough money, you could become homeless at any time!" "I know i've got three friends who would take me in tonight if i was homeless. Do you?" (Lots has changed since then.) By saying it in an argument, i realised that you are never homeless with true friends, but you can always lose all your money.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks for your kind comments!!

[@sarahaurora.official]

Aki, just by existing, you make the world a better place

[@myspiritway]

I am also minimalist and truly enjoy emptiness not only outside but also within

[@anjou6497]

I love this video, thank you for being so positive, vibrant and gentle. 😊💕🧡👍🌿

[@danielrushton2090]

Live anywhere,at anytime.I like that saying very much.I lived outside by choice in my pastt and it was the freest,most joy filled simplicity and happiness I've ever experienced.I wish you many joyful and peaceful adventures,thanks for your video.

[@maximognev7311]

Hi Aki! My name is Maxim, live in Russia. Love in your channel, great staff, please keep going. I was many time in Japan, now studying Japanese, love this country and culture. You are making good lessons for minimalism, points for thinking and further implementation

[@ccc4102]

We love your channel. Thank you for sharing. Mad respect for your strength of character. Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@Su-ym4mi]

Now I understand why. Thank you for sharing

[@lucymatejic6589]

Wow, what an incredible story. It's amazing that you turned a crisis into an opportunity to make your life better, happier and lighter. With your KZbin you get to influence people from all over the world, and encourage us to live better, simpler and more meaningful lives too. I'm always cheered up by your genuine smile and well wishes at the end of each video. May life go well for you, I'm sure it will.

[@lilianechotguis627]

you are amazing! thanks for showing how alive you are NOW!!!

[@zarolive6858]

Thank you for sharing. Stumbled on your channel a week ago, love what you do. You becoming homeless was painful to listen brother. May God keep you safe and protected no matter what you going through in your life. Amen 🙏🏻🤲🏻👊🏻

[@elcuadernodesocram]

This year I have watched this video like 10 times. I thank you so much for your channel and the beautiful and useful things you always share. Thanks 😊🙏🌸🌼🌻🌷🌺🌷🌹🌼🌻🌼🌸🌺

[@kabo5941]

Thank you for sharing your inspirational experience. It shows that obstacles peel off unnecessary things and let the strength of your soul shine. 😁🎉🌄💐👏

[@saramarkowicz]

Wow, your story is absolutely breath taking... Your Airbnb seemed to be so nice ! But I have to say that everything you experienced brought you to a beautiful inner and also exterior place for sure ! Thanks to this you make all these beautiful content to inspire people. Thank you from france ! I just adore all your videos and watch them all whenever I come back from work !

[@maellebouron7881]

Hi, from France ! I would like to thank you Aki for sharing yours great videos. It's helped me to simplify my material life, declutter a lot, and by the way, appreciate the world around us and the nature first!! Tale care.

[@richajain87]

I love the harmony, simplicity and mindfulness of Japanese aesthetics, specially the tea-houses surrounded by Japanese gardens. Your story is inspiring. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for your nice comment! I might be able to show you the tea-house in my village. I'll make the video about it;-D I hope you enjoy it!

[@richajain87]

@@SamuraiMatcha That would be great! Thanks!

[@awake1251]

Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re so very resilient. I’m rooting for you and thank you for your content. It’s inspiring.

[@bewareogre]

Your channel is so inspiring, and the fact that you overcame homelessness and all these hardships speaks of true strength. I hope you have a safe and peaceful life ahead of you ♥

[@gaviota6663]

Thank you for teaching us how to turn a negative experience into a positive one.

[@okinneko]

Oh this is so sad but glad you overcome the situation. I started watching your KZbin by accident. I fell in love with your KZbin and now I am a fan. Keep posting! Stay safe!

[@sayitlikeitis8759]

I so admire the way that you have turned a negative into a positive. Love your channel, I am on my journey from a tendency to hoarding aiming towards a more minimalist lifestyle and you are an inspiration. Thank you.

[@abrightcloud6961]

Thank you for this video! Your strength after being cheated is a very valuable lesson, and I find your continuing spirit of connection and communication even more inspiring 🕊️

[@Timothydlol]

More about your life story please! I love everything about your videos

[@lorraineturton4485]

Your story is one of great transformative and life changing effects. I am truly inspired and appreciate the way this life you have chosen of extreme minimalism has given you such peace and daily discipline. What a wonderful video, thank you. :-)

[@EdithaSeva]

wow inspiring your story. now I'm always watching your videos. Thank you and God Bless you

[@jsun3639]

I just discovered you. Your thoughts are so deep and positive. Blessings.

[@harriglnola7655]

This video blew my mind and you are AWESOME!!! You survived through all of that and have come out a far stronger and better person... AMAZING!!! God bless you!

[@learningwithmaliha]

Yes, you're right brother. Our lives here is temporary so we should make it simple and happy. And above all use our extra resources for our wellbeing, for betterment of humanity too.

[@eleece123]

Years ago i was homeless too... after that I became a hoarder. It took me years to learn how to be a minimalist, but once I made that change in my life, my stress and anxiety reduced by a good 80%. Your life still is healthy, peaceful and makes you look inwards for happiness. Never give that up...

[@davidtarvin5333]

Dude, you are the man! Thank you for sharing your journey it is an inspiration.

[@setyaanggraini4304]

Extraordinary choice but a good one to live a life... bring positive energy

[@nathanmars456]

I like your story! I can relate my own journey of minimalism with yours. Especially traveling and Airbnb hosting.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Wow! That's great! I want to know your minimalism;-D

[@eloik02]

I love this video that helped me give you more credit than before, even though I was already enjoying your videos, since I understand now you are a real minimalist, not just a follower of some fashion. I also consider myself a minimalist, living in a minivan in Quebec province, Canada.

[@rheaishizaka8028]

We really appreciate your videos. Thank you for inspiring us. Best regards from Germany.　ありがとうございます！

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks much from Japan🙏😊

[@alaskanborn3459]

Awesome interested about this tea ceremony.

[@maureenlayden3639]

I am sorry you suffered, I see your wonderful life now, and I am glad! Thank you for sharing your lovely life!

[@Truthmatters5433]

Now I understand why you view life this way. 👍👍👍

[@sorapikayue4271]

Watching your videos gives me such a sense of calm.

[@christybee8959]

I would have loved to stay in your guest house and do a tea ceremony with you. What a lovely way to welcome people, Aki. Your story is inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with the world! Sending love from the US.

[@selmanazarick4274]

You inspire me so much, Aki. I love watching your videos, Greetings from Brazil 😊

[@SamuraiMatcha]

obrigada！I will keep doing my best.

[@My-ru2fv]

Buen video,gracias,saludos desde Praga,República Checa

[@yuugihasgalaxy]

Whoooa such a story that's truly amazing how you've dealt with all that stuff 🙏😲

[@moktansuprim6411]

初めまして マヤです｡ こちらの 動画を 最近毎日 見ています｡本当こちらの動画大好きです｡私も minimalism の生活を したいのです。ずっと 前から 私の考えに このこと考えてるのですが 私も したい生活はこちらと同じです。でもじっさいできてないです｡毎日こちらの動画見ると本当 motivated になります｡ 私も 本国にいた時 先生の仕事していましたが ｡こちらは 本当 素晴らしい先生ですね 。こちらの正確から見ると simple living higher thing .ですね 。いつもありがとうございます😊

[@54leonilda]

Mizuno…Thank you for your openness. I look forward to to binge watching the rest of your videos💋

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thanks;-) I hope you’ll enjoy rest of my videos!!

[@mabelcacheiro9671]

What a life story! Thanks for sharing: I'm slowly becoming a minimalist, thank goodness I didn't have to go through such an ordeal to understand the wellness of a simple existence.