32 photos that show how obsessed Japan is with minimalism

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In Japan, some bedrooms are so stripped down, they don't even have beds.

In Japan, some bedrooms are so stripped down, they don't even have beds.
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What does a minimalist keep in his fridge? Not much.

What does a minimalist keep in his fridge? Not much.
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The bathrooms also keep it simple.

The bathrooms also keep it simple.

This one couldn't be more austere. There aren't any consumerist products in sight.

This one couldn't be more austere. There aren't any consumerist products in sight.
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Sink counters exist to keep stuff on them. All you need is a toothbrush, and that doesn't require one.

Sink counters exist to keep stuff on them. All you need is a toothbrush, and that doesn't require one.

A window ledge can be just as useful as a sink counter.

A window ledge can be just as useful as a sink counter.
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Everything has its place.

Everything has its place.

Just one spoon and one fork is necessary.

Just one spoon and one fork is necessary.
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Minimalist Saeko Kushibiki stores away her futon mattress in her apartment. Out of sight, out of mind.

Minimalist Saeko Kushibiki stores away her futon mattress in her apartment. Out of sight, out of mind.

Even living rooms are de-cluttered. The only furniture here is a desk and chair.

Even living rooms are de-cluttered. The only furniture here is a desk and chair.
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...and sometimes not even a chair.

...and sometimes not even a chair.

It's all about having only simple objects...

It's all about having only simple objects...
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...but that doesn't mean they can't be beautiful.

...but that doesn't mean they can't be beautiful.

The lack of furniture means more space to stretch out.

The lack of furniture means more space to stretch out.
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It's easy to keep your kitchen counter clean if you don't have much to put on it.

It's easy to keep your kitchen counter clean if you don't have much to put on it.

This ceiling lamp is just a plain white circle.

This ceiling lamp is just a plain white circle.
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Because there aren't many items in the first place, the ones you need are easy to find.

Because there aren't many items in the first place, the ones you need are easy to find.

They're easily within reach.

They're easily within reach.
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Hanging objects on simple hooks is a clean, popular storage strategy among minimalists.

Hanging objects on simple hooks is a clean, popular storage strategy among minimalists.

Part of the minimalist philosophy is keeping together the objects that belong together.

Part of the minimalist philosophy is keeping together the objects that belong together.
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It's a way to de-clutter your life...

It's a way to de-clutter your life...

...and your mind.

...and your mind.
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Each object has its own place and purpose.

Each object has its own place and purpose.

But sometimes minimalism means not owning a mop.

But sometimes minimalism means not owning a mop.
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There's a certain beauty to it.

There's a certain beauty to it.

There's nothing to distract you.

There's nothing to distract you.
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And you never need to think about which pot to use for which dish.

And you never need to think about which pot to use for which dish.

Windows and decorations don't compete with each other.

Windows and decorations don't compete with each other.
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And some scenes are perfect for Instagram.

And some scenes are perfect for Instagram.

...even in the least likely situations.

...even in the least likely situations.
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You get to think of your possessions in a fresh way.

You get to think of your possessions in a fresh way.

The negative space speaks louder than the spaces filled with stuff.

The negative space speaks louder than the spaces filled with stuff.
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