The Japanese Philosophy: How to feel wealthy with low income

Watch the full video the Japanese Philosophy here

Introduction

Have you ever feel poor, even when you know that you're wealthier than most of the people in the country? Most people think that wealth goes hand in hand with life style. In reality, the problem, isn't wealth. Its mindset. You can earn a lot, and covered with a lot of expenses. On the contrary, you can be poor, and feel rich. According to Tod School, Japanese people realize this and came up with these three principles that can be applied in real life.

The Three Principles

Danshari

• Danshari comes from three words: Refuse, Discard and Separate. The idea is to refuse what you don't need, discard what no longer serves you and separate yourself the desire to earn more. Danshari is about managing your desire
• Most people live in a world with things they don't actually want. Buying a bag due to its current trend. Fine dinning to preserve their image. This led to lifestyle inflation. Danshari principles rejects all that. It is about buying something you actually want (or even needed).
• In practice, when your desire rises, experience it. However, don't act on it spontaneously. You will notice that a lot of times, you want something you don't actually want.

Chisoku

• Chisoku is about know when enough is. Most people live in this world chasing the next milestone. I'm going to buy the next sports car. I want to live in a better apartment. I want the next raise. The problem with this is, they never know when to stop chasing.

You can be incredibly rich but still feel poor. On the other hand, you can earn a modest income and feel rich.

• Chisoku is about realizing what is enough for yourself. How much money in savings is enough? What lifestyle you genuinely preferred? In practice, write down in detail your final goals on financial, lifestyle and other aspects of life.

Shun

• Shun is about living in accordance with the nature. For examples, eating seasonal fruits which cost less during its season. Sleep with air conditioning off when it is in a cold season. By practicing shun, you are able to spend less naturally.

References

Tod School (April, 20, 2026), Japanese Frugal Habits That Make You Feel Rich on a Small Income, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsV3l4hRDYY