Whether social, physical, or mental, decluttering has gained recognition as our lives become increasingly busy and cluttered with thoughts, tasks, and possessions. Danshari is a key part of this movement towards minimalism and decluttering, which aims to enhance our quality of life.

What Is Danshari? Refuse, Dispose, and Separate

The term “danshari” is a combination of three kanji characters: “dan” (断) meaning “refuse,” “sha” (捨) meaning “dispose,” and “ri” (離) meaning “separate.” 

Together, they form a philosophy of letting go of unnecessary physical possessions, mental clutter, and attachments to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Origin of Danshari

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Minimalism and decluttering have boomed in the last few years in Japan thanks to personalities like Marie Kondo who have helped to popularize it with famous slogans such as “items that spark joy”. But in reality, the “KonMari Method” (as Marie Kondo way of decluttering has been called) isn’t anything new. Marie Kondo finds her predecessor and pioneer in Hideko Yamashita, the first to elaborate and popularize the concept of freeing up space from things that do not serve anymore – both mentally and physically – known as danshari.

Hideko Yamashita introduced the concept in her book “Danshari” in 2010, becoming a bestseller in Japan.

Yamashita was influenced by both Zen Buddhism and the minimalist movement, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, mindfulness, and intentional living.

What Are the Core Principles of Danshari?

Refuse (断): This principle encourages individuals to refuse to acquire new items they do not need. It involves being mindful of consumption and making conscious choices to avoid accumulating unnecessary belongings.

Dispose (捨): This involves disposing of items that are no longer useful or bring joy. The goal is to remove clutter from one’s life, whether it be physical objects, old habits, or unhelpful thoughts. The act of disposing is seen as liberating, allowing for more space and clarity.

Separate (離): The final principle focuses on separating from attachments, both physical and emotional. It encourages individuals to let go of their attachment to material possessions and to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes experiences and relationships over things.

Practical Benefits of Danshari

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Savings

Decluttering your home helps you save money by preventing unnecessary purchases. For instance, a cluttered wardrobe can lead to buying duplicate clothes. By organizing and decluttering, you ensure you only keep what you need, avoiding wasteful spending. Similarly, organizing daily necessities and your refrigerator reduces food waste and unplanned purchases.

More Time

Decluttering saves time by making it easier to locate items quickly. No more frantic searches for misplaced car keys or remote controls. Organizing your space allows you to find things effortlessly, freeing up more time and mental space.

Improved Well-being

Decluttering enhances both your physical space and mental clarity. A cluttered room increases visual stimuli, leading to stress. It also subconsciously reminds you of pending cleaning tasks. Clearing out unnecessary items reduces stress and improves overall satisfaction with daily life.

Danshari and Mottainai

“Mottainai” is a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the ethos of regret over waste and the mindful use of resources. While “mottainai” can be seen as the opposite of “danshari”—since it suggests it is wasteful to throw away things that could still be useful—in reality, it also reminds us to use things, nature, and the world around us mindfully. This connects it to the minimalist principles of danshari.

Practical Tips for Danshari

• Sort items into “needed,” “unnecessary,” and “pending.” Establish your criteria for sorting, such as discarding papers you haven’t used in a year or clothes you haven’t worn in three years. Sorting your items into boxes based on your criteria can be helpful.
• Avoid forcing yourself to declutter everything in one day or over a short period. Focus on clearing one room or a specific part of a room, such as a shelf, wardrobe, or desk, to avoid feeling overwhelmed and giving up halfway through.
• If you need help deciding whether to throw something away, put it on hold and decide later. Create and maintain a “discard box” and a “keep box,” setting a deadline for sorting through these items and making a final decision.
• Stop holding onto “just in case” items that you never actually use but continue to take up valuable space.

Danshari for a Simple, More Fulfilling Life

Danshari is more than just a method of tidying up; it is a holistic approach to life that encourages mindfulness, intentionality, and simplicity. By incorporating the principles of refusing, disposing, and separating, individuals can create a living environment and mindset that supports a more meaningful and contented life.

More reads:

• ​​Food Waste in Japan – How to Reduce Household Food Waste
• About the Japanese Concept of “Mottainai”
  
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning in Japan: Tips and Recommendations
• Japan’s Recycle Shops: A Thrifty Guide to Secondhand Furniture (And More)
• Recycling in Japan: How Much Waste Really Gets Recycled?
  

About the Japanese Concept of “Mottainai”

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