Books Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism  by Fumio Sasaki 

Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki is a personal account and guide to minimalist living. Sasaki shares his journey from a cluttered, stressful life filled with unnecessary possessions to a simple life with only essential items. By letting go of material things, he finds greater freedom, happiness, and focus.

Sasaki explains that humans have evolved brains that struggle to manage overwhelming amounts of information and possessions, leading to stress and dissatisfaction. Minimalism, he argues, helps reduce mental clutter and refocus attention on what truly matters—experiences, relationships, and gratitude.

The book offers 55 practical tips to gradually declutter, such as starting with clearly useless items, following a one-year rule for unused possessions, minimizing multiples, and digitally preserving memories. Sasaki encourages a mindset shift to overcome fear of regret and focus on the gains from less possession, including reduced stress and increased contentment.