Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai

As we step into June, I wanted to share a little slice of joy, strength, and perspective. For anyone who has been criticized, overlooked, misunderstood, embarrassed, rejected, or quietly left wondering, Do I still have what it takes? I know that feeling. I know what it feels like to keep showing up, to do the right thing, to give 150%, to stay gracious, to work hard, and still feel like the world does not always meet you with the same care. I know what it feels like to be exhausted and still have to perform. To be strong and still feel unseen. To wonder whether you should keep walking the same path, or finally stop, recalibrate, and begin again. And recently, strangely enough, the thing that reminded me not to give up was basketball. More specifically, the New York Knicks. I’ve lived in New York for 14 years, so yes, this team has become part of my story. But this season, watching them felt bigger than being a fan. It felt bigger than a game. It felt like watching a group of people carry their scars openly and still choose to fight. That is why sports can move us so deeply. Because the game becomes a mirror. We see ourselves in the player who was underestimated.

Welcome to Wabi Sabi. Have we been kind to the Japanese? Do we deserve Japanese 7-Elevens in NY? How about asking a Japanese- American? In Today’s episode is about reflection, learning, and appreciation. There is so much to learn from Japanese history — from the Edo period, to the U.S. Occupation, to the reawakening of Japanese hearts in the 20th century, and the complex but resilient relationship between Japan and the U.S.. If you ask me, we shouldn’t learn about Japan — we should learn from Japan. That means supporting Japanese voices, reading books by Japanese and Japanese American authors, and buying Japanese products, foods, beauty, and cultural traditions directly from their source. The research and care that goes into each episode can take me weeks, even months, to create. So if you enjoy listening, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this podcast with two of your best friends. Now — what can we learn from the obliteration of matcha in the Western world? What can we learn from the history of Japanese Americans, wrongfully imprisoned in concentration camps during World War II, accused of crimes they did not commit? What can we learn from the resilience of a culture that endured deep suffering, only for us to now enjoy its traditions, artistry, and cuisine in all their beauty, novelty, and kawaii? We are able to appreciate Japanese culture today only because our ancestors paid a dear price. This is something we must honor, reflect on, and consider deeply in today’s episode. Thanks for listening. —Candice Kumai

In this episode of Wabi Sabi, I open up about how we can stay grounded and strong while the world feels chaotic. Everywhere we turn right now—news, politics, social feeds—it feels heavy. But instead of waiting for the world to get better, I’ve learned we have to work on our inner world first. I take you through the lessons of kintsugi, the Japanese art of golden repair, and how those same principles can help us rebuild from the inside out. I share why I stopped waiting for someone to “save me,” how I started to see my own worth, and why self‑compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have. You’ll hear real strategies for catching negative self‑talk in the moment, shifting it toward forgiveness and love, and refocusing your energy on what you can control. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this episode is a reminder that the cracks in your life aren’t flaws—they’re where your gold goes.

After a 8 days offline, I was reminded that the deepest healing doesn’t come from doing more—but from being more present. In this episode, I share why immersing yourself in nature for just 3 to 4 days can reset your nervous system, clear your mind, and bring you back to yourself. This isn’t about escape—it’s about return. To the quiet. To stillness. To the real you. I’ll walk you through how to take a restorative break in nature, what to expect emotionally and physically, and why this kind of reset is essential in today’s overstimulated world. Let this be your reminder: nature always welcomes you back—with mercy, with grace, and without judgment. Benefits of Immersing in Nature for 3–4 Days 1. Nervous System Reset – Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) – Activates the parasympathetic (rest and digest) system – Lowers heart rate and blood pressure 2. Mental Clarity & Focus – Boosts cognitive function and memory – Reduces mental fatigue and brain fog – Encourages clearer, calmer decision-making 3. Emotional Detox & Healing – Allows space to process emotions without distraction – Supports mood stability and lowers anxiety – May bring suppressed feelings to the surface (a healthy release) 4. Enhanced Creativity – Being in natural environments stimulates creative thinking – Encourages new ideas, inspiration, and problem-solving – Helps reconnect to your inner artist or writer 5. Better Sleep – Resets circadian rhythm – Natural light exposure improves melatonin regulation – Physical movement + no screens = deeper rest 6. Physical Vitality – Encourages gentle, natural movement (walking, hiking) – Clean air and natural light nourish your cells – Anti-inflammatory effects from phytoncides (plant compounds released by trees) 7. Spiritual Reconnection – Deepens your sense of purpose and gratitude – Quiet moments in nature often lead to insights or breakthroughs – Helps you remember you are part of something larger 8. Digital Detox – Clears digital overload and constant stimulation – Rebuilds attention span and presence – Creates time for journaling, reflection, or silence 9. Self-Compassion & Presence – Nature does not judge—she invites you to just be – Encourages a softer internal dialogue – Teaches patience, humility, and trust

In today’s deeply polarizing society, we’ve become too comfortable with whitewashing—rewriting culture, truth, and identity to fit a more convenient narrative. We’re constantly told by con artists, influencers, and marketers that certain things are "normal," when in reality, they’re anything but. In this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast, I felt it was necessary to draw a firm line—to call out where we’ve compromised and where we’ve allowed culture to be diluted. I use Matcha as one clear example. If I don’t uphold the values of my own heritage—publicly and with conviction—I wouldn’t be doing my job as a journalist. This episode is about reclaiming your roots. It’s about learning from where you came from, understanding why that matters, and how honoring those truths can actually improve your life. These are free tools and reminders that anyone can use—anytime. And if you’re feeling stuck, that’s okay. You’re not behind. You already hold the keys to unlock your next chapter. Let’s get into it.

Welcome back to the Wabi Sabi podcast. Today, we honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — a true bridge builder, a humble servant, and a radiant light in a time when the world often feels broken. In the spirit of kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing what is broken with gold — we’ll reflect on how hope, healing, and compassion still shine through our fractures. Pope Francis taught us that even in our most fragile moments, there is beauty, unity, and the chance to begin again. Let’s take this time together to remember his example, and to rediscover the light that still lives within all of us.

Hey friend, I know I've been a bit MIA from the pod these past few weeks, and I truly appreciate your patience. Life has its seasons, and sometimes we walk through chapters that aren’t ready to be shared—yet. What I can say is this: we’re all on our own unique path, and you never really know what someone else is going through. That’s why it’s more important than ever to lead with compassion. Everyone—everyone—is doing their best with what they have. When we start from that belief, we shift the way we see the world. We soften. We open. We allow more grace in. Today we will also be doing just a round up of recent events and little notes that you've all sent my way... Today’s episode is a gentle reminder to pause. To take care of yourself. To give back to your community, even in small, quiet ways. To rest. To breathe. To do the little things that bring you peace. As one of my favorite monks once told me in Japan: "Bochi bochi ganbatte." Step by step, do your best. We’ll also explore some perspectives from the Kintsugi documentary—how we mend, how we shift, and how we prepare for change in this ever-evolving world. And always remember: Wabi Sabi is about embracing the beauty in imperfection. Life isn’t meant to be polished. It’s meant to be real. So don’t stress too much. You’re doing better than you think. Let’s begin.