Japanese Minimalism: Eastern Philosophy or a Way to Organize Space?
Japanese minimalism is both an architectural design movement and a philosophy rooted in ancient Japanese beliefs – Shintoism and Buddhism. It advocates for the rejection of excess, mindless consumption, and encourages a focus on the inner self. Its outward forms are characterized by simplicity, minimalism in expression, and clear, intentional composition.
Modern Western civilization has been dubbed a “wastebasket civilization.” We constantly purchase new items, only to throw tons of them away. Our homes become cluttered, filled not only with unnecessary objects but also with empty worries and thoughts that obscure what’s truly important. Add to this the fast-paced lifestyle many of us lead, and it results in an increasing sense of loneliness, emptiness, loss of meaning, and a crisis of self-identity.
Minimalism, both as a way to organize space and as a guiding philosophy, can be a powerful tool for bringing order to both our homes and lives. The environment we live in has a profound influence on our lifestyle. By cleansing our external space, we can shift our focus inward, moving from “having” to “being.” With a minimalist approach, a home can become a place of tranquillity, allowing us to concentrate on what truly matters.
A Photograph of the project “Minimalist Country House on Novaya Riga” –Ideologist+
Origins of Japanese Minimalism
The origins of Japanese minimalism are deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and historical traditions of Japan. This style and philosophy evolved over centuries, influenced by various factors. A significate role played Zen Buddhism, with its ideas of life’s impermanence, detachment from earthly attachments, and the concept of “emptiness”. Unlike Western philosophy, in the East, emptiness has a sacred meaning. It symbolizes fullness and divine presence, known as “generative emptiness”.
Traditional Japanese homes embody the idea of emptiness through minimal furniture and objects. Rooms are separated by sliding partitions, which, when removed, turn the house into a canopy over an open space.
Another significant influence on Japanese minimalism is the tea ceremony, with its aesthetic of simplified beauty. The places where ceremonies took place shaped the style of Japanese interiors “sukiya-zukuri” or the “tea room style.” This style is characterized by simplicity, understated elegance, the extensive use of natural materials, and the absence of ostentatious wealth.
The tea ceremony is also connected to the concept of “wabi-sabi,” a whole philosophy and a unique Japanese worldview. The word “wabi” means “subdued taste,” associated with asceticism and simplicity. “Sabi” refers to the «patina” or beauty, that arises over time: the worn surface of old wood or the subtle shine of aged materials. Wabi-Sabi finds beauty not only in blossoming cherry blossoms but also in their wilting. This reflects the deep meaning of Japanese aesthetics—life as an art form, appreciating the fleeting nature of existence, and recognizing that true beauty is ephemeral. Imperfection and irregularity are natural conditions of everything, including ourselves. Beauty lies in simplicity and naturalness, and life itself is art.
Five Distinctive Features of Japanese Minimalism:
- Simplicity of Form: Japanese minimalism focuses on straight, clean lines. Furniture, interior elements, and decorations have simple, unembellished shapes, avoiding ornate details.
- Functionality: Items must not only be aesthetical but also serve a specific purpose. This is reflected in the use of multifunctional furniture and interior objects with sleek forms and clean lines.
- Space and Light: Japanese minimalism prioritizes open, well-lit spaces that create a sense of tranquillity and freedom. Large windows and minimal furnishings enhance this spacious, airy feeling.
- Neutral Tones: The style typically uses neutral, pastel shades like cream, sand, and browns. Bright accents are rarely used, ensuring the space remains uncluttered and free of unnecessary distractions.
- Nature Indoors: Japanese minimalism places great emphasis on nature. Homes often incorporate plants, water features (like small fountains), stones, and bonsai trees. Natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, and paper are preferred in the design and décor.
Lighting
Lighting plays an essential role in Japanese homes, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. Ceiling lighting in Japanese houses is often represented by large square chandeliers made of wooden frames with frosted glass. These fixtures, usually located in the center of the room, serve primarily a functional role, providing soft and cozy light.
Another popular solution is small lamps with rectangular shades, neatly arranged on the ceiling. Their orderly placement reflects the Japanese love for structure and calmness. Recessed lighting, installed in plasterboard constructions or stretch ceilings, is also widely used in Japanese interiors, adding a modern touch.
Modern technologies allow for lighting with luminous stretch fabrics, giving the space a sense of lightness and modernity. Although round light fixtures are less common, they can be minimalist and sleek, acting as a symbolic representation of the sky. Their simple design fits perfectly into the Japanese aesthetic, adding elegance to the interior.
Special attention should be given to traditional Japanese lanterns. These elements not only adorn exteriors but are also excellent solutions for indoor lighting. There are several types of lanterns: toro, andon, bonbori, and chochin. Toro (“tower of light”) is a traditional outdoor lantern, often made of wood, that can be adapted for indoor use. It adds a sense of nature and authenticity to the interior and can be either floor-standing or suspended.
Andon is a floor lantern with a vertical shape, made of rice paper or bamboo, providing soft, diffused light, ideal for tea rooms or living rooms. Chochin and bonbori are also paper lanterns, distinguished by their shapes: chochin is hexagonal, while bonbori has a cylindrical form. The simple and understated shapes of these lanterns align with the philosophy of minimalism, popular in Japanese interior design.
Thus, lighting in a Japanese home not only serves a functional purpose but also creates a unique atmosphere that reflects the philosophy of harmony and naturalness.
Photograph of the project “Minimalist Country House on Novaya Riga” –Ideologist+
Furniture
The Japanese rarely use furniture in the European sense. Instead of traditional cabinets, their homes feature built-in niches in the walls (integrated furniture). They sleep on tatami mats, with no beds. According to national custom, it is common to sit around a low table directly on the floor. In a Japanese-style interior, low furniture with clean geometric shapes fits perfectly. Minimalist interiors often reflect the aesthetic of “wabi-sabi,” which is expressed through the use of old or vintage furniture that carries history. Such furniture may have wear, chips, and scratches, adding charm and depth. Great attention is paid to natural materials, preserving the important connection with nature, which is essential for the Japanese.
To choose furniture in the spirit of Japanese style, it is necessary to use materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. Opt for low pieces of furniture: low tables, beds, and chairs. In a Japanese interior, symmetry and balance in the arrangement of objects are important. Built-in wardrobes and shelves are preferred to maintain the clean and simple look of the space.
The core principles of Japanese minimalist design are simplicity, functionality, and connection with nature. Japanese minimalism aims to create a peaceful atmosphere with minimal decoration, emphasizing high quality and the use of natural materials. One key element of this style is the use of tatami — straw mats that not only add texture to the interior but also help divide the space into zones. Traditional features of Japanese design include sliding screens (shoji), made from wood and paper. The paper allows soft, diffused light to pass through, creating a cozy atmosphere and serving as both a functional and decorative element.
Nature plays a significant role in Japanese culture, and natural elements are often brought into the home. Ikebana compositions, made from one or several plants, highlight this connection and bring life to the interior. Another symbol of Japan is the miniature bonsai tree, which can be placed on a separate stand or a table. It adds a green accent and symbolizes harmony with nature.
Tableware also plays an important role in Japanese design. Japanese ceramics are known for their refined simplicity. Vases, bowls, and tea sets with natural textures can become stylish accents in the interior. For wall decor, hanging scrolls (kakemono) with calligraphy or nature images, such as bamboo, mountains, or birds, work perfectly. Even a single scroll can create a visual focus without disturbing the minimalist aesthetic.
To enhance the atmosphere of tranquility, Japanese tabletop fountains or small water features can be added. If space allows, a small rock garden with sand and stones can be created, symbolizing natural landscapes and adding a meditative quality to the room.
Netsuke as Interior Decoration
Textiles should be light, made from natural materials, and mostly monochrome. Avoid complex patterns and bold colors, opting instead for calm and soft tones that will harmonize with the minimalist interior.
Netsuke are a symbol of Japan. These miniature figurines depict characters, animals, mythological scenes, or symbols. Initially, they served an exclusively functional role — acting as a counterbalance to secure a wallet or tobacco pouch on the waist, as traditional Japanese clothing did not have pockets. From the 17th century, this object began to evolve into a unique form of miniature sculpture.
In a minimalist interior, netsuke can be used as a unique accent that highlights the simplicity and harmony of the room. A single piece can be placed on a shelf or in a niche against a monochromatic wall, emphasizing the intricacy and detail of the figurine. Alternatively, a group exhibition can be created by arranging several netsuke on a single stand while maintaining even spacing between them.
If the room’s design features neutral tones and natural materials (wood, stone), netsuke made of wood or bone will fit beautifully into the overall palette.
Minimalism Today
Contemporary minimalism represents not just a design style but a philosophy of life centered around conciseness, practicality, and the rejection of excess. In interior design, fashion, creativity, and even lifestyle, minimalism continues to gain popularity due to its versatility and thoughtful approach to organizing the surrounding world and time.
Today, minimalism is closely linked to environmental care. Natural materials—wood, natural stone, linen, and glass—predominate in finishes and designs. The focus is on durable items with minimal impact on nature, often made from recycled or eco-friendly materials. This style is characterized by a muted palette, and the use of contrasting accents has become even more restrained to emphasize the simplicity and purity of the space.
The main concept of minimalism is to rid oneself of the unnecessary, both in physical space and mental clarity. People practicing minimalism strive to simplify their lives by shedding unnecessary belongings, obligations, and thoughts. An important part of minimalist style is empty space, which creates a sense of freedom, lightness, and openness. At the same time, there is no impression of emptiness, as each element is carefully selected and serves its purpose.
Minimalism today is about harmony, mindfulness, and focusing on what truly matters. In a rapidly changing world, it helps create calm, ordered spaces and life processes oriented toward quality rather than quantity.
A photograph of the «Ikiru Hotel» project – Ideologist+