Author: Fumio Sasaki

“Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki is a compelling exploration of minimalism and its transformative effects on one’s life. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Fumio Sasaki shares his personal journey from a cluttered, stressful life to one of simplicity and contentment through minimalism. The book is divided into several sections, each offering practical advice and insights:

1. Introduction to Minimalism:

• Sasaki defines minimalism as reducing possessions to the essentials, allowing one to focus on what truly matters.
• He emphasizes that minimalism is not about deprivation but about finding happiness in less.

2. 55 Tips to Declutter:

• The book provides 55 actionable tips to help readers start their minimalist journey. These include practical steps like discarding duplicates, digitizing documents, and setting limits on possessions.

3. 15 Tips for Advanced Minimalists:

• For those who have already started decluttering, Sasaki offers additional tips to deepen their minimalist lifestyle. This includes practices like reducing digital clutter and simplifying daily routines.

4. Personal Transformation:

• Sasaki shares how minimalism has changed his life, making him more focused, grateful, and free. He discusses the psychological benefits of owning less and how it has improved his relationships and overall well-being.

5. Case Studies:

• The book includes stories of other Japanese minimalists, showcasing different approaches to minimalism and its diverse benefits.

Reviews

Positive Reviews:

• Sloww praises the book for its relatable and practical approach to minimalism. The reviewer appreciates Sasaki’s honesty and the new minimalist terminologies introduced, such as color minimalism and information minimalism¹.
• Blinkist highlights the book’s thought-provoking nature and practical advice on decluttering. It emphasizes the positive impact of owning fewer possessions on happiness and fulfillment³.

Critical Reviews:

• My Non Existent Minimalism offers a mixed review, noting that while the book provides valuable insights, some of Sasaki’s suggestions, like owning only one towel, seem extreme. The reviewer also mentions that the book includes a lot of personal anecdotes, which may not appeal to everyone².

Overall, “Goodbye, Things” is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in minimalism. It provides a comprehensive guide to decluttering and simplifying life, backed by personal experiences and practical tips. If you enjoy books that blend self-help with personal narrative, this one might be a great addition to your reading list!

Source:
(1) Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki (Deep Book Summary) | Sloww. https://www.sloww.co/goodbye-things-fumio-sasaki-book-summary/.
(2) Goodbye, Things Summary of Key Ideas and Review | Fumio Sasaki – Blinkist. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/goodbye-things-en.
(3) BOOK REVIEW: Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism By Fumio Sasaki. https://www.mynonexistentminimalism.com/blog/2020/10/25/goodbye-things.
(4) Book Summary: Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki – Eric Sandroni. https://ericsandroni.com/goodbye-things-the-new-japanese-minimalism-by-fumio-sasaki/.