The ultimate minimalism
If you’re not into minimalism, kanso is not for you. This Japanese interior design and the aesthetic concept is all about getting rid of all non-essential stuff and has a great appeal to all perfectionists. The less, the better kanso. Rooted in Zen philosophy, kanso suggests choosing minimal furniture and modest artwork to achieve calm and peaceful environments.

Kanso – the art of simplicity

Impermanence 
Minimalist philosophy is also a reminder of the impermanent nature of things. Kanso is about being mindful of what you possess and choosing carefully the most essential items that you need: a table, a chair, a bed – and all simple. It must be every hoarder’s nightmare.

Kanso is about energy flow
Similar to feng shui, kanso is concerned with unobstructed energy or chi flow. Simple and clear furniture arrangements are essential. The less is more (energy).

Kanso – the legacy of zen
Kanso is one of the eight zen concepts alongside fukinsei (asymmetry), seijaku (silence), shizen (naturalness), koko (austerity), datsuzoku (freedom from worldly attachments), yugen (subtle profundity), danshari (decluttering) and wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and modern forest bathing shinrin-yoku.

Clutter or no clutter
Albert Einstein famously asked, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” I guess, the answer is zen or kanso. So you feel better about your clutter, environmental psychology informs us that it is your personal preference on how clutter will affect your performance. Some people thrive in cluttered environments, some don’t. And a cluttered desk could be a sign of a genius as desks and offices of Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison and Stephen Hawking suggests, not mention that we wouldn’t have penicillin if Alexander Fleming didn’t keep his lab messy. Read more about the power of clutter and mess

Steve Jobs at his home office – but later he got into zen and minimalism

Feng Shui of Tokyo: Flowing Energy in a Metropolis of Contrasts

Understanding the Sacred Japanese Rituals of Ground Blessing: O-jichinsai, O-tameshi, and O-tate-shizume

In Japanese culture, the blessing of land before construction is rooted in ancient Shinto traditions. The most commonly known ritual is O-jichinsai, a ceremony performed by a Shinto priest to purify and protect the site, offering prayers for the safety and success of the building project. Another term, O-tameshi, refers to the act of testing or probing the land, ensuring it is stable and suitable. Finally, O-tate-shizume, also known as “tate-shizume no gi,” is the ritual of calming or pacifying the spirits of the land, sometimes considered a part of the larger O-jichinsai. Each of these terms highlights a unique aspect of preparing the ground, reflecting a deep cultural respect for nature and spiritual harmony.

The original Japanese terms for each of the rituals or ceremonies you mentioned:

• Jichinsai: 地鎮祭 — ground blessing ceremony

• O-tameshi: お試し — trial or probing (testing suitability of the land; often more common in commercial and daily contexts, less standard in spiritual ritual)

• O-tate-shizume: 御建鎮め or 建鎮祭 — pacification/building and calming the spirits of the land before construction.

These terms anchor the spiritual and cultural practices of honouring, pacifying, and respecting the land within Japanese tradition.

Kansō. What Kansō Actually Is. Kansō vs Fusui. Japanese Feng Shui.

Read about Fusui

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