When I started as a tidying consultant, I relied entirely on the ‘Marie Kondo’ or KonMari® brand. I felt that it gave me a certain legitimacy, even confidence in what I was doing.
“From « KonMari Consultant » to « Japanese Tidying Consultant »
However, in recent months, I have started talking about Japanese tidying rather than Marie Kondo to avoid preconceived notions about her. Being Japanese like her, I share her worldview, including spirituality. which is at the core of her famous tidying method. In fact, this familiarity both comforted and profoundly moved me when I read her book.
Nevertheless, I have observed that this spiritual aspect is often hidden in Western media. Sometimes, it even seems that the Marie Kondo method is more about interior decoration—clean, white, minimalist...
Although I understand this communication strategy—spirituality can make this foreign approach seem even stranger—I find it unfortunate because… c’est l’élément clé qui rend cette approche si différente des autres. The goal of Japanese tidying is to live in harmony with one’s belongings and home, which transforms tidying from a practical act into an act of kindness and love Done with intention, this ‘chore’ elevates to an art.
Every object has a soul and wants to serve its owner.
It is even said that an object that has existed for 100 years becomes aware and turns into a y“The Yokai.”kai qui s’appelle tsukumogami (付喪神). That’s why we should choose them carefully, treat them with kindness, and put them away after use so they can rest. When their mission with us is complete, we let them go, either to serve someone else or to retire.
Moreover our belongings are our allies, not our enemies. So, instead of looking for what to get rid of, this approach teaches us to identify what we truly love and makes us feel joy tokimeki. We let go of the rest with gratitude because, even if we don't keep it, it has shared our lives.
Simply put, the KonMari method codifies Japanese-style tidying, makes it easy to apply, and infuses it with a good dose of happiness.
Japan Impact 2024
My mission is to promote Japanese-style tidying, including its spiritual aspect, to spread joy tokimeki around the world. That’s why I’m thrilled to be invited to Japan Impact 2024, which has the theme“The Yokai.”, at EPFL in Lausanne from February 17 to 18. I will be giving two talks and conducting two folding workshops.
Tokimeki, the essence of Japanese tidying
Saturday, February 17, 2024, 16h00 – 17h30
Surrounding yourself with everything you love is the essence of Japanese-style organizing. Every object has a soul, so choose them carefully, listen to them, and treat them with kindness. More than just a method of organization, Japanese-style organizing is a philosophy of life that leads you toward outer and inner harmony. Come learn how to fill your daily life with tokimeki (sparkles of joy) with a certified KonMari consultant.
Living in Harmony at Home with the Yokai
Saturday, February 17, 2024, 18h15 – 19h45
You probably have Yokai in your home. Whether they are apparent or not, mischievous or benevolent, they are part of your daily life. Come learn how to peacefully coexist with your Yokai. Conference in collaboration with Yasuka Fader (midnight blossom).
Sunday, February 18, 2024, 11h30 – 13:00 et 16h00 – 17:30
I will introduce you to the basics of Marie Kondo's tidying method, followed by folding exercises. You will learn to fold and store your clothes vertically so that everything is visible, accessible, and neat in your wardrobe. Bring clothes to fold (T-shirts, socks, etc.), as well as items you are unsure how to fold.
