What comes to mind when you hear “Minimalism”? The answer likely depends on your interests. For some, minimalism brings to mind sleek fashion or clean, modern architecture. For others, it might evoke a genre of music. The images conjured by the word are as diverse as the people hearing it. These days, however, many associate minimalism with lifestyle. Think of Marie Kondo, whose tidying philosophy took the world by storm, guiding countless people toward a more minimalist way of living. Or consider “The Minimalists: Less Is Now,” a Netflix documentary that was even nominated for a Daytime Emmy. Clearly, the appeal of simplifying our lives isn’t going anywhere.

But minimalism didn’t start as a lifestyle trend. Originally, it was an art movement that emerged in mid-20th century New York. So how did a term rooted in the art world evolve into a buzzword for living simply?

Let’s explore how minimalism shifted from gallery walls to everyday life—and why its message continues to resonate.

INDEX

• Minimalism as an Art Movement
• Minimalism as a Lifestyle
• Differences in Minimalism between Japan and America
• Conclusion

 

Minimalism, as a term, traces its origins to an influential art movement that began in New York during the early 1960s. This movement emerged as a reaction against abstract expressionism, a style that dominated the post-war art scene. Abstract expressionism, characterized by the emotionally charged, gestural works of artists like Jackson Pollock, emphasized personal creativity and expression.

In contrast, minimalism took a starkly different approach. Its central tenet was that art should not reference anything beyond itself. Minimalist works stripped away personal expression, symbolism, and decoration, favoring simple geometric forms and clean lines. This unembellished style led critics to label it “literalism,” often with a mocking tone. However, the movement was deeply influenced by earlier European artistic philosophies, including Russian Constructivism, De Stijl, and the Bauhaus.

The idea of reducing things to their essence wasn’t new. Western thought had long embraced simplicity as a virtue, exemplified by concepts like Occam’s Razor (“the simplest solution is usually the best”) and Leonardo da Vinci’s famous declaration, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Even everyday phrases like “Simple is best” reflect a broader cultural appreciation for minimalism. These values likely helped pave the way for the movement’s development.

Key figures in minimalist art include Frank Stella, known for his stark, geometric paintings; Donald Judd, who created precise, industrial-looking sculptures; and Carl Andre, famous for his floor-based installations using raw materials like bricks and metal plates.

While minimalism began as an artistic movement, its core philosophy—”eliminate the unnecessary to reveal the essential”—has since transcended the visual arts. Today, its influence can be seen in music, fashion, architecture, literature, theater, industrial design, and even cooking.

Each field interprets “unnecessary” elements differently. In minimalist music, for instance, composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass reduce musical complexity by repeating simple patterns, emphasizing subtle changes over time to capture the essence of sound.

In architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a former director of the Bauhaus, epitomized minimalist principles with his famous mantra “less is more.” His designs focused on functionality and purity of form, stripping buildings of superfluous ornamentation to highlight structure and space.
Across all these disciplines, minimalism represents a pursuit of clarity and purpose. It challenges creators and audiences alike to focus on what truly matters, making its philosophy as relevant today as ever.

When did “minimalism” transition from an art movement to a lifestyle philosophy? While there’s no precise timeline, it seems that around the early 2000s, minimalism as a lifestyle began to gain traction. This shift emerged as a counterreaction to the growing excesses of consumer culture. As societies in the late 20th century championed the idea that happiness could be found in material abundance, a quiet rebellion was brewing—a movement towards simpler, more intentional living.

Key figures like Marie Kondo and Fumio Sasaki helped propel this lifestyle into mainstream consciousness. Their ideas, rooted in decluttering and focusing on what truly sparks joy, resonated deeply. Because these pioneers were Japanese, some began to associate minimalism with Asian cultural values. However, the principles of reducing possessions and embracing frugality are universal.

Throughout history, cultures and religions worldwide have emphasized simplicity. In Buddhism and Christianity, for instance, poverty and detachment from material goods are often seen as virtues. Many spiritual paths advocate for a life focused on inner fulfillment rather than external wealth. Even in the West, simplicity has long been admired. Consider Henry David Thoreau, who famously retreated to Walden Pond to live a self-sufficient life in harmony with nature. His philosophy, often termed “Simple Living,” shares striking similarities with today’s minimalist lifestyle.

So, why did this long-standing value reemerge under the banner of “minimalism”? One key reason lies in growing disillusionment with consumerism. By the 21st century, the promise of happiness through material wealth had begun to ring hollow for many. The cluttered homes and overwhelmed minds of modern life made people yearn for a new approach.

The ethos of the minimalist art movement— “eliminate the unnecessary to reveal the essence”—found new life as a guiding principle for individuals seeking clarity and purpose. In lifestyle terms, the “unnecessary” became all those unused, forgotten items filling closets and drawers. The “essence,” on the other hand, is deeply personal. For some, it’s about rediscovering life’s purpose; for others, it’s about deepening connections with loved ones. Minimalism, in this sense, became a mental framework, helping people shed the excess and focus on what truly matters. It offered a way to push back against the tide of consumerism and realign with personal values—making it more than just a trend, but a philosophy for living well.

While the values of frugality and simplicity are found worldwide, Japanese minimalism has had a unique impact on modern minimalist living. This influence can be traced back to Japan’s cultural and historical relationship with Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes “eliminating the unnecessary to approach the essence.”  By the 15th and 16th centuries, this philosophy had already shaped Japanese architecture and interior design, giving rise to the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. For a detailed explanation of wabi-sabi, please refer to the previous article, “Embracing Wabi-Sabi: How Zen, Japanese Tea Ceremonies, and Tatami Unveil Timeless Beauty.” For example, the wabi-sabi philosophy, which values simplicity, shares common ground with Mies van der Rohe’s “less is more.”

In contrast, Western minimalism often pursued the essence of art, focusing on clean lines and industrial materials. American minimalism, for example, was a reaction to abstract expressionism and sought purity through reduction. However, it rarely integrated these values into personal living spaces in the holistic way Japanese culture did, under the influence of Zen where “enlightenment = the essence of being human.”

Western traditions like Thoreau’s “Simple Living” highlights simplicity and comfort but often stopped short of influencing architecture or interior design at a systemic level. Japanese minimalism offered a missing link by blending lifestyle values with functional, meditative spaces that deeply resonated with those seeking clarity and calm in the modern world.

 

Here’s how the two minimalist styles compare:

 

Japanese minimalism’s holistic approach to life and design offers a powerful framework for those seeking to simplify and reconnect with what truly matters. It has become a global touchstone for creating both mental and physical spaces of clarity and purpose.

This time, we’ve explored the multifaceted concept of “minimalism,” tracing its evolution from an art movement to its profound impact on modern lifestyles. What did you think? Initially, minimalism challenged artists to strip away the superfluous to reveal the essence of their work. Over time, this principle struck a chord with those seeking clarity and meaning in an era of overwhelming material abundance and information overload. It’s fascinating how minimalism evolved into a lifestyle embraced worldwide.

In examining this lifestyle shift, we also explored why Japanese minimalism—rooted in Zen philosophy and the wabi-sabi aesthetic—has gained particular prominence. The resurgence of this tradition, which elevates simplicity and essence in interior design, reflects a universal, timeless desire to focus on what truly matters in life.

I hope this article has sparked your interest in creating a minimalist living space. If you’re considering incorporating elements of Japanese minimalism, such as tatami mats, into your home, feel free to consult with Interra USA. We’re here to help you design a serene and purposeful living environment.

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for our next article, which will dive deeper into interior design topics that we hope you’ll enjoy.

 

 

Tatami mats shown here can be purchased here.

 

Reference link:

ミニマリズム – Wikipedia
Minimalism – Wikipedia
シンプルライフ (ライフスタイル) – Wikipedia
Simple living – Wikipedia
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