Some excellent points from Gearoid Reidy on the infatuation with Japan as a source of self-help.
On Marie Kondo and tidiness: The irony is that a typical Japanese house is often extremely cluttered, which is why her KonMari method took off at home first. (Kondo herself gave upon the idea pretty quickly when she had kids.)
On whether Japan is all that different from other countries: That’s spawned a series of publications turning everyday, universal concepts into pseudo-intellectual Oriental tosh. Going for a walk in nature becomes the classical practice of shinrin yoku, or forest bathing, and though there are scientifically proven benefits to spending time in greenery, the Japanese can’t claim to have invented it.
And on what actually makes Japan's quality of life so high: Much of what makes Japan work has more to do with mundane public policy solutions, education and social standards, rather than some secret self-help tip.
Sensible zoning techniques and health-care funding can’t be wrapped up in a snappy catchphrase, but likely have much more to do with actual outcomes. It often seems people will learn anything from Japan except actual practical policy fixes.