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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 Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle

Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD

Mar 11, 20194 min read

The Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is home to a few impressive Japanese gardens; the Ninomaru Garden, the Honmaru Garden, and Seiryu-en Garden. I have visited...

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Japanese Garden Design: A Helpful Illustrated Guide

Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD

Mar 11, 201915 min read

Japanese Garden Design: A Helpful Illustrated Guide

Japanese Garden Design As human beings we all have the desire to bring nature into our busy lives. The Japanese garden serves as a space...

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Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden

Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD

Mar 11, 201913 min read

Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden

Wabi-sabi is a part of Japanese Aesthetics and philosophy that focuses on the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence. Although...

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What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?

Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD

Mar 11, 20195 min read

What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?

A Modern Japanese Garden with Many Flowers This is a very common question I get asked when talking about or designing a Japanese garden,...

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What is a Japanese Stroll Garden? (The Essential Guide)

Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD

Mar 11, 20196 min read

What is a Japanese Stroll Garden? (The Essential Guide)

When you mention ‘Japanese garden’ everyone has his or her own image of what that is. In fact, there a variety of different styles of...

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