Green Tea Living: A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness [Paperback]

Toshimi A. Kayaki (Author), Miyuki Matsuo (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Starting with the notion that some traditions—like drinking green tea for health and mental acuity—embody timeless wisdom for living, Toshimi A. Kayaki offers dozens of wise old Japanese ways for improving how you look and feel while respecting nature and the environment. Carry your own pair of chopsticks, wear five-toe socks, eat salty plums, use rice water as floor wax, do “eco-laundry,” and always set aside 10 percent for savings . . . you get the idea. By leading a “green tea life,” you’ll help yourself and the planet.

Toshimi A. Kayaki, born and raised in Japan, now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has published twenty-two books on women’s and cross-cultural issues.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This diminutive book is packed as tightly as an obento box with an array of mini-essays. And like a good Japanese obento lunch, which always includes five colors (white for rice, green for vegetable, brown for protein, et al.), this book is composed of a little of this and a little of that, all wrapped up neatly in the philosophy that Toshimi Kayaki calls "green tea living." From exercising more to using cash instead of credit cards, these tips will delight anyone who likes to consume their Japanese culture like an umeboshi—a red pickled plum that's the cherry on top."
—The Japan Times

"Centered around the Japanese tradition of drinking green tea for relaxation and health, Kayaki's upbeat book offers simple tips for a balanced, sustainable lifestyle."
—The Sierra Club

"[Green Tea Living] offers a vision of the way things could be—a vision living better by following old traditions that proved themselves hundreds of years. Very recommended for everyone who is looking to be healthier, happier and more eco-friendly."
—Eco-Libris

"In this delightful paperback with illustrations by Miyuki Matsuo, you will find a treasure trove of ideas about simplicity, thrift, homemade remedies, and Japanese wisdom. Kayaki has adopted what she calls "green tea living"—which includes low-calorie foods, regular exercise (walk or bike instead of driving), and meditation. She also offers advice and tips on regularly eating miso soup, using reflexology, trying olive oil on dry skin, facial message with a spoon, and suggestions for living a more frugal life.

Not only does green tea have cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure, it can also be used on the skin as an anti-aging cosmetic, as a means of preventing cavities and taking away bad breath, as a cleaning tool, as a fertilizer for gardening, and as a weight loss tactic (drink a cup before your dinner). Green Tea Living by Toshimi Kayaki is a handy and creative guide to an eco-friendly life."
—Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice

"The author's writing style is simple and sweet . . . [Green Tea Living] is uplifting and comprehensive."
—Whitney Halberg, ForeWord

* Winner of the 2011 Benjamin Franklin Award in the Self-Help category
* Honorable Mention at the 2011 London Book Festival
* Honorable Mention at the 2011 Green Book Festival
* Finalist in the Environment /Green category of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards

About the Author

Toshimi A. Kayaki, born and raised in Japan, moved to the USA in 1989. She has written for newspapers, magazines, and advertising and has been a radio and TV reporter. She has published 22 books, mostly about cultural comparisons, women's issues, housekeeping hints, and self-improvement. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and son and cat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933330848
• ISBN-13: 978-1933330846
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #812,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A PERFECT AIRPORT GIFT BOOK, January 5, 2010

By 

Hajime Ohno "early bookworm" (San Marcos, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Green Tea Living: A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness (Paperback)

Although this type of cross-cultural guide to "healthy green living" may not be everyone's cup of tea, if you finish the book, you realize that the core values and practical habits the author promotes in this book are consistent with those preached by your grandparents or great grandparents who weathered America's Great Depression ("Waste not, want not"). Some of the aphorisms mentioned in the book ("An 80%-full moderate diet keeps the doctor away") also evoke universal qualities.

I especially liked the ideas of using the oshibori wet hand towel (certainly, more sushi restaurants in the U.S. can adopt this custom!), the furoshiki eco-bag (origami-like magic wrapping cloth), and the yutampo hot water bottle, which has made a big comeback lately in Japan.

Also with some reference to the author's own intercultural journey, this is an excellent introductory guide to those who may want to visit Japan sometime in the future. In fact, this little book can keep boredom at bay during airport waiting time, and by the time your plane arrives at Narita Airport, you'll be armed with nifty traditional Japanese insights, which will be great ice-breakers during your trip as well. I highly recommend this book as a gift for all occasions.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising, Fun and Handy Little Book, February 16, 2010

By 

frank (ca ,) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Green Tea Living: A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness (Paperback)

I was surprised at how much fun I had reading Toshimi A. Kayaki's book, Green Tea Living. It's an easy, breezy read and that is its strength.

I like the way she introduces each chapter with a story. Her personal, unique Japanese perspective gives the book its delightful, sometimes exotic personality. This is an introduction to traditional, Japanese common sense, handed down from generation to generation, arriving here in the twenty first century to help its readers take a look at some of the basics of what is important in family and community.

With Kayaki's hints, it is "easy being green." You don't have to buy a hybrid Toyota. Try reusing and recycling. How about "Green Cuisine?" If you can find green tea or some of the food items she recommends, you are in for
tasty treats.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eco and wallet friendly book, March 9, 2010

By 

Lisa S.C. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Green Tea Living: A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness (Paperback)

This book clearly illustrates a simple yet eye-opening way of how we can all begin to save energy, reduce waste, economize, and to become healthy by following some basic principles in our daily life. Being a housewife, I especially like the part of saving money.

Her examples and anecdotes from her own country (Japan) are well presented and easy to understand.
Paragraphs are short and often accompanied by illustrations, which helped me learn about the subjects.

I believe that this book can be a great starting point for many people who are interested in health and environment as well as saving money.