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Shizen Style Culture Blog
The Shizen Style Blog has foundations in Japanese aesthetics and culture, with topics surrounding Japanese gardens, photography, flow state and creativity, Ikigai (life purpose), as well as product reviews that help us figure out what's worth our time, attention, and money.
The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens
Whether you are designing your own garden or looking for ways to better appreciate a garden, this complete guide to small Japanese...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 30, 20199 min read
1,625 views
What kinds of rocks are used in Japanese gardens?
This is a question that often comes up when talking about Zen rock gardens and other types of Japanese gardens. I have talked with...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 29, 20195 min read
183 views
What is a Modern Rustic Garden?
I have found that by adding modern and rustic elements into the garden we can balance a natural lifestyle with our busy modern world....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 25, 20195 min read
176 views
Are Cherry Trees Used in Japanese Gardens?
Cherry blossom trees, or sakura, are definitely a major symbol of Japan. But from having visited a countless number of Japanese gardens...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 24, 20197 min read
405 views
What are the Basic Japanese Garden Structures?
Years ago when I first began studying Japanese garden design in Japan, I learned how Japanese architecture also played a role in creating...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 23, 20196 min read
1,170 views
The Real Meaning of Shizen
When I lived in Japan and was studying Japanese language I found that the word “shizen” was often used in a contradictory way. For some...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 20, 20197 min read
2,011 views
An Introduction to Japanese Garden Design Principles
If you are looking to do something a little different with your garden I recommend an introduction to Japanese garden design principles....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jul 25, 20183 min read
21 views
The Top 5 Myths About Japanese Gardens
There are a few misconceptions that we have about Japanese gardens. Just like the many “sushi” restaurants that clutter suburban plazas...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jul 25, 20184 min read
31 views
How to add japanese garden design principles into your garden
With a topic like how to add Japanese garden design principles into your garden you need to look for natural inspiration from somewhere....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jul 19, 20182 min read
54 views
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