In her most personal book yet, the iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy—and can make our lives better today.

“This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the arts, rituals and sensibilities of Japan.”

Though she’s known for “tidying up” and “sparking joy,” there’s more to Marie Kondo than her love of mess. Across book tours and international conferences, it became clear that her audience, while interested in how to keep their lives tidy, was also keen to learn about Kondo herself and the culture that is intrinsic to her tidying method.

In Letter from Japan, Kondo responds to the myriad questions she received about her inspirations by examining the Japanese customs that she grew up with—minute details of tea ceremonies, the art of taking care of gardens, and the power of passing seasons—with her trademark gentle wisdom. But this isn’t only a response to her audience’s fervent desire to get to know the woman behind the show; it’s a manifesto for her three children, a documentation of the foundational elements of their culture that is essential to their understanding of the world around them.

With subtle and lyrical prose, Kondo embarks on her most personal and affirming book yet, holding onto the customs that not only spark joy but also preserve them for future generations.