Why I became an extreme minimalist? 

I felt devasted when you said you became homeless, hoping homelessness in Japan meant something different. The obstacle was truly your way. Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration 🙏🏽

I love this and hope more people understand that minimalism isn’t just an Instagram hashtag. When a person has a real reason behind their minimalism, it really changes the whole goal and becomes the backbone to the rest of your life. After my mom passed away and we had to get rid of her house, seeing the literal rooms full of stuff that no one would be able to keep and the cost we ended up spending to have it all removed woke me up to the needless spending and hoarding of items in my own life. I had to accept that none of things I own are going to go with me when I pass on, so I should learn to cherish my life without stuff and just enjoy the simple act of breathing and hearing the birds sing every morning.

I can just imagine you as a super host ... you're so positive and entertaining and generous with your knowledge. i think you're just one of those people who will be successful at whatever they do

The fact that you picked yourself up after dealing with hardship is a sign of immense strength. I absolutely commend you. For me I became a minimalist since I came back from a pilgrimage to Japan 4 years ago. I used to buy a lot of unnecessary things too. But now I am living with less. It's liberating.

You could say tha life forced you to minimalism but at the end of the day is about making smart decisions. I love the way you made from a problem an opportunity! Love your channel, go ahead!

I was shocked at the behavior of the owner, but I think everything can't beat you then make you stronger. Love your minimalism living now. Always enjoy watching your videos.

I am so sorry to hear about that corrupt real estate agent! I myself am on a path to become one in the future, and I would honor your happiness and positive contribution to society. May many blessings come your way always. ❤️ from Austin Texas 👋

It was a pleasure to listen to your life story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Elizabeth Gilbert has a quote, “Ruin is a gift. It’s the road to transformation.” It must have been painful to lose everything you worked so hard for, but I think the lose gave you an opportunity to go on an amazing journey in the Americas. (WOW) and build a new life. I am looking forward to seeing more videos. Please tell me more about your school. Good luck.

I started by watching the 10 things I don’t own videos and want to say these have been a great inspiration. I still live with my parents and the amount of excess with which they live is repulsive to me. My grandfather, who lives simply in his fifth wheel, told me about how he wanted to own his possessions rather than being owned by his possessions, and I took that to heart. I began shopping at thrift stores from a young age and soon accumulated a toxic amount of things. I am still recovering from this, trying to avoid buying more things, frequently trying to get rid of the excess things that I have and simplify my life so that I can live meaningfully and with purpose rather than being in the pursuit of wealth or an imaginary idea of success. Thank you for making these videos. I look forward to more.

Your minimalist journey is truly fascinating. You are inspiring many of us to get out of consumerism. Simple living gives more room to appreciate nature and people plus it lessens pollution. Sending my appreciation all the way from the Philippines!! 🇵🇭🌈💕

I am a 25 year old from a third world country trying to live life one day at a time. I’m so glad I came across this video. All your videos are so inspirational !

One thing people despise is seeing someone happy and successful- misery loves company, so they start a company and make misery. I spent 6 months living out of the back of my pickup truck while attending UCLA- spent my days (after school) at the beach and my nights sleeping in the shadow of the Federal building. My GPA was 3.4 during this period.

I study abroad, and have to rent room, then gotta move quiet a lot. First time moving house was nightmare 😅 I had way too many clothes, pots, many unessessary items (hard to move, and I had to worry alot about those stuff). I threw away some, then I learnt about minimalist. I am still practicing and trying to make my life lighter everyday. Minimalist 's just not downsizing my stuff, but it 's been very helpful for my mental health. Thank you so much for sharing with us 🙏

What a wonderful story about taking a negative situation and turning in such a positive direction. You are very inspiring! ❤

Wow what a journey you have been thru. I thought you were a strange person who chose to be an extreme minimalist but after seeing this video I had a change of mind and I really respect you. Thanks for sharing. It means a lot bcuz I too was once homeless until I got my apartment five years ago and started my minimalist journey. Thanks again for sharing

I'm so sorry you had to go through so much hardship. Seeing the house torn down after all the work and money you put into it must have been devastating. You are so strong and such an inspiration for picking yourself up and growing from the experience. I think your students are very lucky to have such an inspirational teacher!

I seriously binge watch your videos! They’re inspiring, to the point, and so calming to watch! And my love for Japan and matcha 🍵 grew even more with your traditional way of representing videos which I love watching in Animes and other Japanese videos! Thank you!

I will never become an extreme minimalist but still I got inspired by your video, because you showed us how it is possible for us to make big (positive) changes in our lifestyle, as long as we set our mind to it, and as long as we find the purpose for doing so. Thank you for sharing with us your story! I started to become more minimalist 1year ago and still far from being a minimalist but taking it step by step.

You, sir, are so inspiring to me. I have lived a very chaotic life. I have moved many times and to this day live paycheck to paycheck with no guarantee that I will be able to make rent. I can truly appreciate your strength to overcome and to let go. I am happy to see you thrive. I pray for a lighter life as well. Your story will shape lives. Keep going!

My dear samurai matcha I really admire your minimal life. You inspire me everyday to live my life to the fullest. A year ago my husband left me for another woman and I feel devastated. Glad I found your chanel in youtube. Thank you somatcha

Thanks for being an inspiration towards minimizing things that aren’t needed in my life. It is amazing what I thought I needed that I really didn’t need when I had a major change in my life. Love people, use things.

At first I got ever so sad, all that heartache seeing your life being torn apart, it must have been so so devastating. Having watched a few of your videos, I can also see how you now blossom in a life with few possessions but rich in life. You are inspirational and I hope my wife and I can learn to live our lifes without unnecessary possessions that clutter lifes true meaning which of cause is individual. Many thanks for sharing your life with us. Regards Carsten

I just found your channel today, and I'm absolutely hooked. I love everything you said and showed!

Wow! You went through a lot for someone so young. I understand your reasoning for becoming an extreme minimalist. I started minimalism because my parents are hoarders. In their old age, they can no longer manage and I had to take over. I promised myself that when I am old, I would live freely, without worry over posessions nor burdening others on housework.

thank you for showing the way. when life gives you lemons make lemonade, you've demonstrated perfectly.😅 arigato❤

You are amazing. I'm so sorry for the horrible way you were treated. You did the right thing. There's no price for peace. You made the most of that disaster. The greatest roofing and just living well and you don't need to be connected bad people. You are blessing me so very much with your videos.

It is beautiful to see how your minimal lifestyle is not hard or sad, gritting teeth, but evidently brings you joy, wellbeing, good mood, generosity and humour!

Wow, what an incredible story. It's amazing that you turned a crisis into an opportunity to make your life better, happier and lighter. With your RU-vid you get to influence people from all over the world, and encourage us to live better, simpler and more meaningful lives too. I'm always cheered up by your genuine smile and well wishes at the end of each video. May life go well for you, I'm sure it will.

i am really sorry about you losing your business, you worked so hard for it. I'm so glad you managed to pick yourself up again. But remember something i learned by saying it during an argument: "you don't have enough money, you could become homeless at any time!" "I know i've got three friends who would take me in tonight if i was homeless. Do you?" (Lots has changed since then.) By saying it in an argument, i realised that you are never homeless with true friends, but you can always lose all your money.

Super. Almost all your videos watching is working like relax therapy. Do what you do, this is good thing 😇🙏

I recognised something I relate to in your story. In a different way, I also suffered something in my life of extreme trauma and loss. My life was ruined. After that, so many things that I used to want and keep just seemed so insignificant. My perspective on things changed- I already lost so much, what else can be worse? The truly valuable thing is living your life in the best way in this moment, and those memories that will be your life and legacy. You look so happy and free, you are living your best life!

A sad story, but a happy ending! You illustrate so well the Buddhist teachings concerning attachment and desire as the sources of suffering. I wish you continued success on your chosen path of minimalism.

From knowing the impermanence of life, it’s how we actually live a minimalist style of life.

Adversaries lead us to more quality of life. We value our time and ourselves more.

your honest 'monologue' of how you became a minimalist is very moving that touches human soul. I wish i could meet you and be friend with you someday and at somewhere.

You have lead such an interesting life, such a cool person :) wish there was more people like you in the world love ur videos hello from New Zealand

You are so inspirational and this was such an interesting story! I’m glad that you’re happy now. I’m going to move to Japan in the future and I hope to one day live like you do.

Aki, just by existing, you make the world a better place

Thank you for sharing. Stumbled on your channel a week ago, love what you do. You becoming homeless was painful to listen brother. May God keep you safe and protected no matter what you going through in your life. Amen 🙏🏻🤲🏻👊🏻

Hi, from France ! I would like to thank you Aki for sharing yours great videos. It's helped me to simplify my material life, declutter a lot, and by the way, appreciate the world around us and the nature first!! Tale care.

Wow! I also became a minimalist, while riding my bike from Germany to Portugal. 3200 km in 3 months. Then I lived in sublease for 7 months always only in one small room, still only with my stuff from the trip and the bicycle. This week I will finally move to an apartment, rented and the truck with my household, clothes and stuff will follow. However I hope, I can continue that minimalistic live. I love your videos and feel bad about the story with your hotel. Sometimes it's just time to accept changes in our lives, we all know and from my experience, mostly we're improving and things get much better than before. 😉👍

Thank you, this video is maybe the most important for me. I pilgrimed in Spain 3 times walking, 6 weeks, 2 weeks and this year 4 weeks, then came back home and lived in my full house again. Thank you, my teacher! I will think, meditate and learn. Arigató!

Everything happened because your destiny was here to connect world and to teach us good way of living . Always thanks for your efforts.本当にありがとう。

This year I have watched this video like 10 times. I thank you so much for your channel and the beautiful and useful things you always share. Thanks 😊🙏🌸🌼🌻🌷🌺🌷🌹🌼🌻🌼🌸🌺

I so admire the way that you have turned a negative into a positive. Love your channel, I am on my journey from a tendency to hoarding aiming towards a more minimalist lifestyle and you are an inspiration. Thank you.

Hi Aki! My name is Maxim, live in Russia. Love in your channel, great staff, please keep going. I was many time in Japan, now studying Japanese, love this country and culture. You are making good lessons for minimalism, points for thinking and further implementation

This was a most helpful video to watch, Mr Akihito. Thank you. UK

I like your story!👍Even though the start was rough, you managed to persevere and open up to a new (minimalistic) life!🌹

Watching your videos gives me such a sense of calm.

This video blew my mind and you are AWESOME!!! You survived through all of that and have come out a far stronger and better person... AMAZING!!! God bless you!

Thank you for this video! Your strength after being cheated is a very valuable lesson, and I find your continuing spirit of connection and communication even more inspiring 🕊️

I never thought about a minimalist life seriously but after watching your video, I felt a strong urge to follow your philosophy. I've just started my journey to be a minimalist, someday I want to meet you and talk with you about the change you've triggered. Plus, I'll always root for your minimalist voyage.

What an incredbile story. I really like how your bike trip forced you to minimise to only the essentials and so the same experience helped you minimise when you went back to Japan.

I'm in the process to move in with my husband after 7 months got married. It'd be our first shared space which is room attached with a bathroom. We can't afford a house yet. Your videos helped us alot in putting minimalist lifestyle into practise.

Live anywhere,at anytime.I like that saying very much.I lived outside by choice in my pastt and it was the freest,most joy filled simplicity and happiness I've ever experienced.I wish you many joyful and peaceful adventures,thanks for your video.

I am sorry you suffered, I see your wonderful life now, and I am glad! Thank you for sharing your lovely life!

Hi, it is a pleasure to met you through here and see how you adapt all negativity and turned into a light and bright situation, thank you for sharing so much we can learn from your experiences! Special greetings from Costa Rica !

You're a real inspiration! Thank you for sharing your life story, it sounds like you overcame some serious obstacles and learned so much in the process.

Now I understand why. Thank you for sharing

Dude, you are the man! Thank you for sharing your journey it is an inspiration.

you are amazing! thanks for showing how alive you are NOW!!!

I have a friend who visited Japan. It CHANGED her life forever. She tore out her previously magnificent garden and put in a Japanese style garden . . also magnificent! She built an addition onto her house - - Japanese styled. It has gotten more cluttered thru the years but is quite lovely.

Thanks for the inspiring story. I frequently remind myself not to buy anything unnecessary because of impermanence and just use the money I save to pay for experiences that bring me joy.

I love the harmony, simplicity and mindfulness of Japanese aesthetics, specially the tea-houses surrounded by Japanese gardens. Your story is inspiring. Thank you for sharing 🙏

amazing honest story personal, I like your vulnerability and authentic approach! keep it up

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. You have truly inspired me. Keep up the good work.

Yes, you're right brother. Our lives here is temporary so we should make it simple and happy. And above all use our extra resources for our wellbeing, for betterment of humanity too.

I love your channel! You've inspired me to make my life minimalist as well!

because i never had secure housing, my only "home" was my beloved library i built up painfully over the years and lavished all my love and care on - like many undiagnosed autistic people, i was very lonely and gave much care to things. (I grew up before internet etc.) Having to give away my books to charity shops that would only pulp them, because they were specialist books nobody in rural areas reads and i had no money or transport or way to sell online or in other places, was like cutting my arms and legs off, it hurt so much because i knew nobody else would care for them like i had - that in fact they would be pulped - it hurt so hard. It traumatised me for years afterwards (like i say, underlying not mentally healthy)

Congratulations of this great awakening that came thy way (I speak of #2). You are meant for big things. Glad our paths aligned via this platform. Good to know this story. Namaste.

I am sorry, it must have been a horrible experience that brought you to minimalism, however, learned so much from it. Occasionally, I have watched videos, on minimalism by American RU-vidrs, at best they seem arrogant, and have a better than thou, mentalitiy. That was before I discovered Marie Kondo and you. I tell my friends, I am still waiting for Marie to knock on my door, but fear she has been too busy to come to my very humble, and very messy abode. I love both your videos, because both of you have such a gentle and kind approach. I would go so far as to say, both of you are very welcoming in expressing your phylosophies. I am inspired, by both of you to tidy and clean house, and am deriving, much satisfaction from it, progress is slowly being made. I am sure I will never get down to the small number of items you now live with, but I am doing my best!

Whoooa such a story that's truly amazing how you've dealt with all that stuff 🙏😲

its really hard to make me cry, but you did it, you have a beautiful and inspiring story

Years ago i was homeless too... after that I became a hoarder. It took me years to learn how to be a minimalist, but once I made that change in my life, my stress and anxiety reduced by a good 80%. Your life still is healthy, peaceful and makes you look inwards for happiness. Never give that up...

I have been looking for tips on DECLUTTERING. This channel is helping me do that day by day. ありがとう❗️

I had no idea of your struggles it made me so sad to think you (such a kind soul) were treated like that But that struggle made you into something even more beautiful and strong

Thank you for the video. I keep throwing stuff and want to be frugal minimalist. More than I was yesterday. Stuff is overrated. Glad you are enjoying your life happily with all you need.

Sometimes I think that the first reaction when our life is shaken is to go crazy, feel devastated and even depressed. But if we change the perspective, we could take the challenge as a necessary change to begin a new chapter in the book of our life. Sometimes we can a little comfortable and don’t seek for more self-improvement. Then something hits you to draw your attention. Sometimes it can be really hard. Finally, you take the cue and begin the change toward your transformation into something different. It takes courage and determination to accept change. At this point in time, your videos, which are utterly thought provoking, have appeared in my life to help to give me that extra push to face yet a new chapter in my own life. Thank you, Aki. 🫖🍵

Maybe the old house is gone but the good memories of your guests will last and will be an anchor in bad times. So your hard job has reached his aim.

Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re so very resilient. I’m rooting for you and thank you for your content. It’s inspiring.

what you are now experiencing is peace and relief.. but what you went through was pain. I can feel your pain brother. I wish u all the best...and all the peace 🙏

Your channel is so inspiring, and the fact that you overcame homelessness and all these hardships speaks of true strength. I hope you have a safe and peaceful life ahead of you ♥

Wow you are so strooong, you didn’t break after such a tedious and awful court fight with those heartless people😔 I would’ve cried and give up , lol

wow inspiring your story. now I'm always watching your videos. Thank you and God Bless you

Ur such an inspiration 🤌🏻💙🌈 ... I've started minimising unnecessary things in my life too once I saw the contents in ur channel..

Such an inspirational story! It needs discipline and determination to become minimalist and refuse so many commercial traps in modern life! But if you can really enjoy the minimalist life style, you can continue the journey without any pain.

The reason for being your extreme minimalist is superb I appreciate you so much keep going it

Awesome interested about this tea ceremony.

This is my Second video after randomly finding your video on 8habits. Very touching story and inspirational videos the world is definetly going to be a better place because of you. I have already shared your videos to my friends and family

I continue to be inspired. Thank you!

Ive started decluttering over the last 2 years and I've learned so much about my self. I am not an extreme minimalist but I am almost finish decluttering and soon to be a minimalist. I want to mover seas with my son in 2 years.

初めまして マヤです｡ こちらの 動画を 最近毎日 見ています｡本当こちらの動画大好きです｡私も minimalism の生活を したいのです。ずっと 前から 私の考えに このこと考えてるのですが 私も したい生活はこちらと同じです。でもじっさいできてないです｡毎日こちらの動画見ると本当 motivated になります｡ 私も 本国にいた時 先生の仕事していましたが ｡こちらは 本当 素晴らしい先生ですね 。こちらの正確から見ると simple living higher thing .ですね 。いつもありがとうございます😊

I was homeless too for four years and when I got out of it I started indulging in things that just make me unhappy now because I was coping with the fact that I had nothing during that time. It’s interesting how the same or similar experiences people go through causes a completely different reaction in some of us. I want to try minimalism though because as strange as it seems I think I was happier at that time than I am now.

I’m sorry you lost your place, but I think you gained such a wonderful life perspective and are now sharing it with others (:

We really appreciate your videos. Thank you for inspiring us. Best regards from Germany.　ありがとうございます！

Your story is one of great transformative and life changing effects. I am truly inspired and appreciate the way this life you have chosen of extreme minimalism has given you such peace and daily discipline. What a wonderful video, thank you. :-)

What a life story! Thanks for sharing: I'm slowly becoming a minimalist, thank goodness I didn't have to go through such an ordeal to understand the wellness of a simple existence.

Mizuno…Thank you for your openness. I look forward to to binge watching the rest of your videos💋

I love your living style with full of peaceful mind in natural environment. ❤

It's such a sad story when you lost your home! 3 years ago me, my husband and little son moved to another country with only 9 suitcases - they had everything we needed for our life!