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Book Review: Wa - The Art of Balance

Editor's Note:This review was originally published in Manhattan Book Review.

Kaki Okumura


Living well is living a balanced life. Kaki Okumura brings together wisdom gained from her deep study of Japanese culture and ways of being to share a unifying philosophy around “wa,” the art of balance. Raised in New York and Tokyo, Okumura leverages her personal experiences and understanding of Western sensibilities about well-being and self-care to incorporate healthy habits rooted in Japanese traditions.

Good-quality sleep ensures physical energy that will help to fuel quality time with loved ones. By emphasizing the essential elements of rest, movement, a healthful diet, and social connections, Okumura shows the integration of physical and mental well-being that centers on independence, strength, empathy, and joy.

Wa: The Art of Balance offers outstanding perspectives for Western readers to apply Japanese philosophy to achieve excellent health. As a writer, illustrator, and wellness coach, Okumura understands the stresses of modern Western life fueled by competition and hard work. She discusses healthy lifestyle habits from Japanese culture in a way that makes sense to readers from different cultural contexts. I reviewed a digital copy of the beautifully illustrated Wa: The Art of Balance, which reflects the author’s visual artistry and aesthetic. The book feels as it reads: affirming, wholesome, thoughtful, and level-headed.

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