Green Tea Living: A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness

I was already well on the path to integrating traditional Japanese items and practices into an American life (thanks mostly to Amazon!), but this book took me so much further. This book has reduced my cost of living, yet added so much simplicity and beauty and pleasure to my daily life. I no longer spend money on the expensive and absurdly marketed cleaning products on store shelves, I eat food my body's happy about, and my health and appearance have improved with the use of the author's tips. One needs access to a Korean or Asian market (H-Mart is great), or Amazon can supply many of the suggested products. Highly recommended book!

Although this type of cross-cultural guide to "healthy green living" may not be everyone's cup of tea, if you finish the book, you realize that the core values and practical habits the author promotes in this book are consistent with those preached by your grandparents or great grandparents who weathered America's Great Depression ("Waste not, want not"). Some of the aphorisms mentioned in the book ("An 80%-full moderate diet keeps the doctor away") also evoke universal qualities.I especially liked the ideas of using the oshibori wet hand towel (certainly, more sushi restaurants in the U.S. can adopt this custom!), the furoshiki eco-bag (origami-like magic wrapping cloth), and the yutampo hot water bottle, which has made a big comeback lately in Japan.Also with some reference to the author's own intercultural journey, this is an excellent introductory guide to those who may want to visit Japan sometime in the future. In fact, this little book can keep boredom at bay during airport waiting time, and by the time your plane arrives at Narita Airport, you'll be armed with nifty traditional Japanese insights, which will be great ice-breakers during your trip as well. I highly recommend this book as a gift for all occasions.

I love this book more than everything! This email s my go-to for whatever kind of inspiration I'm in the mood for: beauty tips, cleaning tips, foods to eat, recycling tips, so many ingenious ideas. And a wonderful philosophy to live by. I actually gave my copy to my aunt, so I have I'll be buying another. Would make a great gift!

love this book!

great

Good book with some interesting tips.

Great read

I should clarify my scale:1 star - not worth buying2 stars - borrow it if you are curious3 stars - worth reading once - but not necessary to keep4 stars - worth owning5 stars - should have a place on your shelfI am an avid fan of Japanese culture and have a great deal of respect for Japanese traditions. This is a lovely little book, and, as mentioned by another reviewer, would make a wonderful hostess/travel gift. I wish somebody would give me a book like this as a little present! It is fairly expensive for the size and level of detail, and for people who have travelled extensively in Japan, not much of this may be new, but it is well-crafted and merits consideration as far as whether to purchase it.Kudos to the author for spreading lots of positive information about how to be mindful of our environment, our homes, and our bodies.

It is a lovely little book. It is a quick read. It is full of idea's, tips and information (some that I knew, but there was a lot that I didn't).It is a nice book to have on hand for a quick reference for mix up lotions or other tips.

Wisdom and interesting things

I was surprised at how much fun I had reading Toshimi A. Kayaki's book, Green Tea Living. It's an easy, breezy read and that is its strength.I like the way she introduces each chapter with a story. Her personal, unique Japanese perspective gives the book its delightful, sometimes exotic personality. This is an introduction to traditional, Japanese common sense, handed down from generation to generation, arriving here in the twenty first century to help its readers take a look at some of the basics of what is important in family and community.With Kayaki's hints, it is "easy being green." You don't have to buy a hybrid Toyota. Try reusing and recycling. How about "Green Cuisine?" If you can find green tea or some of the food items she recommends, you are in fortasty treats.

日本文化を知ってもらうのに良い本だと思うので、海外の人へのプレゼントには最適と思う。