2025 Word of the Year: Kanso
Jan 01, 2025
As the new year begins, we often feel the pull to set resolutions - ticking off goals in hopes of creating a better version of ourselves. But for some, resolutions can feel a bit rigid, like a to-do list that leaves little room for growth, joy, or discovery. It's for this reason that I like to choose a guiding word each year instead - a word that acts as a compass, offering direction without dictating the journey. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about embracing intention.
This year, I have chosen to focus on the word kanso—one of the seven Japanese principles from the philosophy of wabi-sabi. According to Kimura Kami, the seven principles are:
- Fukinsei: this is a way of being in harmony with asymmetry. Through this principle, one can interpret an authentic form that emerges from a movement
- Kanso: it is the elimination of the superfluous and a focus on what is important. It is the very expression of modesty, and simplicity
- Shinzen: this represents spontaneity, naturalness, purity of things. It is about craftsmanship, the fruit of work whose work remains natural
- Seijaku: it is a notion of tranquility
- Shibui: it is about elegance, a refined beauty. Something beautiful, but understated
- Datsuzoku: this is something we are not used to. Here, we are talking about creativity, originality
- Yugen: this represents the mystery, depth and subtlety of beauty
Derived from traditional Japanese aesthetics, kanso emphasizes simplicity and clarity, concepts deeply intertwined with wabi-sabi’s appreciation for impermanence and imperfection.
It's important to note here that while I'm drawing inspiration from this concept, as a white Australian woman, I am by no means an authority on this subject. My aim in choosing this word as my word of the year is to acknowledge its cultural origins with respect and gratitude, to learn and share my learning, and to honour the spirit of the philosophy in my day-to-day life. I really recommend checking out Minimal & Ism, the website co-founded by Fumio Sasaki, who authored Goodbye, Things if you're interested in learning more about this topic from the experts!
What attracts me to the concept of kanso is that it embodies simplicity and clarity. Rooted in Japanese culture, it’s the art of paring things down to their essence and creating space for what truly matters. Unlike the minimalist trend of decluttering for its own sake, kanso has a warmth to it, a reverence for what remains when the extraneous falls away. It’s not about having less; it’s about having what’s meaningful.
Choosing kanso as my focus this year feels like a natural evolution of my own creative and personal journey. It invites us to look closely at every part of our lives and ask: What brings joy? What serves a purpose? What’s weighing us down? This lens of simplicity can be applied across many areas:
Our commitments: Life can become noisy with obligations, both big and small. Kanso reminds us to prioritize what aligns with our values and say “no” to what doesn’t. This year, I will be focusing on fewer but more meaningful projects, creating space for deeper connections and richer experiences.
Our homes: Our physical spaces reflect our inner lives. Kanso encourages us to cultivate homes that feel calm and inviting, filled with objects that have a story or a purpose. It’s about curating an environment that nurtures rather than overwhelms, and I think this is especially important for those of us who use our spaces for making art!
Our craft: In our creative practice, kanso inspires us to embrace the beauty of simplicity. Whether it’s through the quiet rhythm of sashiko stitching or the mindful upcycling of materials, we’re reminded that creativity flourishes when we focus on the essentials. Even imperfections—the stray threads, the wonky stitches—are part of the story, adding depth and character to our work. It also reminds us that we can let go of the projects that aren't filling our cups.
It seems that kanso is not a destination, but a practice - a mindset that encourages us to let go of the clutter in our lives and minds. It’s about finding balance, clarity, and beauty in the everyday. It’s about creating space for inspiration, for connection, and for the things that truly matter.
As we step into this year, I'm excited to explore what kanso means in my life, and invite you to do the same!
