Minimalism is taking over. Figures like Marie Kondo are becoming famous by spreading the gospel of throwing everything out and keeping just what you need.

The movement is most prominent in Japan, where the influence of Zen Buddhism instills a desire for simplicity. For them, less is more.

There's also practical concerns: It's cheaper to be a minimalist. And because Japan is regularly beset by earthquakes, it doesn't always make sense to have a lot of valuable possessions lying around in your house. Nearly half of earthquake injuries come from falling objects.

Take a fascinating look into the sparse aesthetic of minimalism: