Preparing for Japan: A KonMari Journey Begins
Japan has long held my curiosity—especially in the way care, detail, and intention are woven into everyday life. While Japan is a world-renowned travel destination, I find myself equally drawn to the quieter details—the rhythms and practices that shape daily life.
A Journey, Years in the Making
Many of the things I care most deeply about trace back, in some way, to Japan:
the KonMari™ philosophy
preparedness and being ready for what life brings
and a way of living that values intentionality
As a KonMari™ Certified Consultant, I’ve spent over 300 hours supporting clients as they apply these principles in their homes and lives.
This work has shaped how I view and move through the world, and so experiencing the place where this method originates feels like a natural next step.
I’ll be traveling with a global group of fellow KonMari consultants, the KonMari team, and even Marie Kondo herself—an experience that, even now, feels a little surreal.
It’s not just about visiting a place.
It’s about stepping into the cultural context that shaped a philosophy I’ve come to deeply respect—and exploring how it lives and breathes in its place of origin.
Seeing Through a Spatial Lens
I often describe myself as a spatial person—a mapper and a home organizer.
I’m drawn to the relationship between place and purpose, and how we create a sense of order and meaning in our lives.
So naturally, I began mapping this journey.
Not just to track where we’re going—but to understand it more deeply.
Six Principles I’m Carrying With Me
In Letter from Japan, Marie Kondo reflects on six guiding principles that shape her philosophy:
Cherish.
Perfect.
Consider.
Savor.
Purify.
Harmonize.
They’re simple words that hold a depth I’m excited to explore more fully.
As I prepare for this journey, I’m curious to experience how these principles show up—not just in theory, but in place.
Mapping the Experience
To bring this journey to life, I’ve created a StoryMap that shares the KonMari™ retreat portion of the experience—visualizing where we’ll be and what we’ll explore.
Of course, it’s impossible to fully imagine all that we’ll experience.
I’m bringing an open curiosity and a willingness to notice not only the big moments, but the small ones too:
how places are cared for
how intention shows up
how mutual appreciation and gratitude are expressed
This journey feels like an opportunity to experience a new culture through a unique lens—and to live more fully through place, practice, and presence.
Before I Go
I’ll be taking some time away to fully experience this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and I look forward to sharing reflections when I return.
For now, I’m simply grateful to be stepping into this experience.
If you’re like me and enjoy seeing how place and story connect, you can explore the map here, or scroll below to interact directly: [Explore the StoryMap]