What is the book about, and how did you come up with the idea for it?
As a design journalist, I have been interviewing designers and artisans for more than ten years. This includes my time in Japan, where I have now been eight times, often for extended periods. At one point, I met Tomo Koshida in Osaka—a young man who truly dedicates his life to weaving clothing. He even grows his own cotton and does everything by hand.
Halfway through our interview, Tomo told me that he finds ‘shosa’ very important. It was the first time I heard the word. Tomo explained that he finds the simple, sober, repetitive hand movements during weaving beautiful—healing even. For him, the act itself is just as important as the final result. Because of Tomo, the word stuck in my mind. And so, I decided to write a book about it.
Can you explain what shosa means or what it stands for?
Shosa can mean many different things, depending on whom you ask. It is about the beauty of dignified behavior and a respectful way of moving. Shosa often manifests in refined, minimalist, and repetitive actions—perfectly efficient movements that eliminate anything unnecessary. Think of the way a tea master pours tea: that is a hundred percent good shosa.
You’ve spent a lot of time in Japan. What does the country mean to you?
It's my second home. The moment I land back in Belgium, I already want to return to Japan. It’s a place where I can be different, where I can be more myself. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not paradise on Earth. It’s actually a very ordinary place. But somehow, life there feels more right. While writing this book, I discovered that it’s actually because of shosa—a form of reverence and simplicity that is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and brings me a sense of peace.
You created 12 portraits. Which visit was your favourite and why?
That’s hard to say, obviously. Some interviews were more in-depth, while others were simply more enjoyable. Let’s just say that the three people I met in Tottori stole my heart. Tottori is truly a no-man’s-land in Japan, and you can feel it in the people—they are free from superficial small talk.
The most beautiful place was probably Kobaien, a traditional ink company dating back to 1577. My jaw just dropped when I saw it. The most powerful interview, however, was perhaps with Yuko Yamada, a female Zen monk—something that, by the way, is incredibly difficult to find. What she told me about shosa completely blew my mind. Her openness and wisdom! It’s no coincidence that the book ends with her.
Who is this book for?
For Japan lovers, aspiring Japan lovers, and anyone with a general interest in other cultures or life philosophies. Shosa is, in fact, a universal concept found all over the world—the difference is that the Japanese have a word for it. This was also my intention: to write a book that appeals many people. That said, the niche group of Japan enthusiasts will certainly find it particularly appealing.
Discover the Book
