Letter from Japan (Paperback)

In her most personal book yet, the iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy—and can make our lives better today.

"This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the customs, traditions, arts and sensibilities of Japan."

Though she's known for "tidying up" and "sparking joy," there's more to Marie Kondo than her fervent desire to help you better appreciate your mess. Across book tours and international conferences, it became clear that her audience, while interested in how to keep their lives tidy, was also keen to learn about Marie herself and the culture that is intrinsic to her tidying method.

Written with her television co-star Marie Iida, in Letter from Japan, Marie reflects on the myriad questions she received about her inspirations by examining the Japanese customs that she grew up with-minute details of tea ceremonies, the art of taking care of gardens, and the power of passing seasons-with her trademark gentle wisdom. But this book isn't only a response to her audience's wish to know the real Marie Kondo; it's a testament for her three children, a documentation of the foundational elements of their culture, despite the rapidly changing times, which is essential to their understanding of the world around them.

With subtle and lyrical prose, Marie embarks on her most personal and affirming book yet, unveiling for her readers the customs, traditions, and practices that not only spark joy for her, but also to preserve them for future generations.

About the Authors

Marie Kondo is an internationally bestselling author, having sold 14 million books over the last ten years alone, translated into more than 40 languages. She is the founder of KonMari Media, Inc., and oversees the Consultant Program with experts trained in her methods active in over 50 countries. She also hosted the Emmy-nominated Netflix show, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. While globally active, Marie is based in Japan. She began her consultancy as a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo, which inspired her to write, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, which landed at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and topped bestseller charts around the world. 

Marie Iida is a writer and Japanese-English interpreter based in Los Angeles. She played a key role as the on-camera interpreter in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Her writing in translation includes over half a dozen monographs on contemporary Japanese artists, including Yayoi Kusama, Toyo Ito, and Kenya Hara for Rizzoli New York. Most recently, she co-translated Lady Joker (Soho Press/Baskerville), the acclaimed literary masterpiece by Kaoru Takamura, alongside Allison Markin Powell.