tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post6599863470634592048..comments2008-08-04T16:07:45.247+09:00Comments on My So-Called Japanese Life: Militant MinimalismUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-79793891828752433312007-10-31T15:07:00.000+09:002007-10-31T15:07:00.000+09:00My comment about futon use wasn't based only on my...My comment about futon use wasn't based only on my experiences but those of students who I've talked this over with. Only two of my current crop of 12 use futon and the other use beds. None of them have stated a preference for a futon because they find them less comfortable and a pain in the ass.<BR/><BR/>Also, in Tokyo, where there are roaches in summer, dust bugs, and other miscellaneous crawlies which spend most of their time at ground level, being on the floor is not very appealing.Sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17419851636570519145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-82728593578715202892007-10-31T14:45:00.000+09:002007-10-31T14:45:00.000+09:00I like a minimalist space (ie pretty bare) myself,...I like a minimalist space (ie pretty bare) myself, and ideally would have one almost monastic room, but it's not possible, and I end up with quite a bit of clutter Especially on my desk, and especially at the moment.... <BR/><BR/>While I agree about some of the stuff you said, I think your comment that "The only ones who use futon are the ones who live in an apartment that has so few rooms that they still need to put their bedding away regularly to allow the space to serve double duty as both living and sleeping quarters or those who are older and just used to camping-style accommodations." is far too general. Aside from it not being true that the only people who use futons are the old and the cramped, the idea that futons are like "camping" or sleeping on a "hard surface" makes me think you must have had some very bad formative experiences with very bad quality futons. A good futon is about as far from camping and sleeping bags as staying in the Four Seasons is like sleeping in a tent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-41600588109601754362007-09-27T13:37:00.000+09:002007-09-27T13:37:00.000+09:00In all fairness, I'm pretty sure Unclutterer doesn...In all fairness, I'm pretty sure Unclutterer doesn't expect most people to take their "extreme minimalism mondays" (which is where I seem to remember the shoe thing from) seriously. <BR/><BR/>Beyond that, I agree with you. I'm not a person who has no stuff, I just try to make the most of putting my stuff in the space I have.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16323851862085978585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-42094329629385491252007-09-26T10:02:00.000+09:002007-09-26T10:02:00.000+09:00Kanagawa g: I think attaching things to the unders...Kanagawa g: I think attaching things to the underside of your desk is an excellent idea and I'd do it if I had the talent, tools, or type of desk that would tolerate it. I've seen people attach all their peripherals to peg boards so they could easily remove or move them if they needed to and that seemed like a good idea as well.<BR/><BR/>Roy: While it is certainly true that I've been reading Lifehack, this is one of those posts that has been "in the buffer" for awhile which has slowly developed through time. At any given time, I generally have one notion that hasn't found it's logical conclusion that takes awhile to get to. The oldest one took about 2 months before it found its way to completion. This one was probably around a month old. <BR/><BR/>This post was actually more related to getting a blog search button on my toolbar. Ever since I installed that, I've been searching for topics that suit my whims when I run out of material (I don't use an RSS feed, btw). I try hard not to read too many blogs regularly so the searching method is my main technique when I'm in the mood to read more than my bookmarks have to offer. Rest assured though, you remain bookmarked despite your hiatus! ;-)<BR/><BR/>It's funny that you mention gifts/mementos and what one should do because I have a method for student gifts. As long as I'm still teaching that student, I'll keep anything they give me whether I care greatly for it or not. This is related, of course, to my teaching at home since I display the gifts if they are decorative. Once the student stops taking my lessons, the item goes if I either don't like it all that much or it really has no easy place to rest. Of course, if I like it a lot, I keep it. :-)<BR/><BR/>Shawn: You and Roy are in mental sync. It makes me frightened for Roy if that may be the case. ;-)<BR/><BR/>I think that, in theory, a clear room to sit in and meditate sounds good but, in practice, I think such rooms may feel sterile and barren. The Japanese have such rooms mainly for their shrines and for various types of entertaining (when they can afford to have those rooms). I think that a well-organized place can be more relaxing than a minimalist space. <BR/><BR/>You don't really seem to have all that much junk (yet). You just are too lazy to put what you have away. ;-)Sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17419851636570519145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-68551748323931939362007-09-26T01:36:00.000+09:002007-09-26T01:36:00.000+09:00Hmm... does the timing of this post have anything ...Hmm... does the timing of this post have anything to do with the fact that Lifehack seems to post a "declutter" tip every ten minutes these days?<BR/><BR/>Incidentally, I like the idea of having a single room in my house (which optimistically will have a room to spare some day) that is virtually devoid of furnishings simply as a relaxing station of sorts. Of course, that means the clutter from the rest of my house will have to work overtime to compensate.Shawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05257477691404966619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-42640022091787589752007-09-25T19:53:00.000+09:002007-09-25T19:53:00.000+09:00You've been reading Lifehack.org too much. I think...You've been reading Lifehack.org too much. I think you need to remove that one from your RSS feed.<BR/><BR/>I can't understand how these militant minimalists get rid of stuff like presents from other people, old photos, important documents, pharmaceuticals, accessories that come with your computer and electronics appliances etc etc.<BR/><BR/>Also, what happens if they need something like a bandage? They must either borrow one or go and get buy a box, use one and then throw away the rest? <BR/><BR/>I'm all for getting rid of clutter but I agree with you. I don't think it is possible to get rid of EVERYTHING and live a practical life.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12044684708839684798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409496.post-23084398826952384842007-09-25T13:04:00.000+09:002007-09-25T13:04:00.000+09:00I agree, most places here in Japan are crammed flo...I agree, most places here in Japan are crammed floor to ceiling in junk, while the few places that actually have decent storage are usually filled to capacity. When we were looking at houses/condos a while back, the Mrs. and I got a unique (and often surprising)inside look into people's private spaces. Some would have made great material for the "gomi-yama" cleanup shows on TV.<BR/><BR/>In my attempt to cut down on desk clutter, I am attaching seldom used USB accessories, chargers, power strips, etc. the the UNDERSIDE of my desk where they can be easily reached yet are out of the way. I'd love somebody to try to match that to an aesthetic style....handyman?Kanagawa Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11034598311782451191noreply@blogger.com