I enjoy buying new things, but I value letting things go just as much.
If I only keep buying, my possessions gradually increase without me noticing. And when I own too many things, I feel like I become less aware of the items I truly love and the things that support me every day.
That’s why I regularly review my belongings and keep a record of what I bring into my life and what I let go.
In this series, I’ll briefly share the items I bought and the items I let go of each month.
I plan to write honestly about my experiences using them, what I learned from my purchases, and even the mistakes I made along the way.
I hope this will be useful for anyone thinking about buying something or reevaluating the things they already own.
Overview
This month involved a lot of purchases as I continued my job search and prepared for life after returning to Japan.
Since I don’t currently have a stable income, I’ve also been paying close attention to reducing fixed expenses and ongoing costs.
Looking back, most of the things I bought this month were chosen based on three criteria:
- Long-term usability
- Space efficiency
- Lower ongoing costs
With that in mind, here’s what I bought and what I let go this month.
Bought
Apple Watch Series 7 Titanium & Link Bracelet
What is it?
Apple’s smartwatch, capable of health tracking, contactless payments, notifications, and more. The titanium model I purchased features the brushed finish used up through Series 7, giving it a more understated metallic appearance than current models.
Why I bought it
I wanted an Apple Watch that would work well in professional settings.
Compared to many other countries, Japanese companies tend to place a stronger emphasis on dress etiquette. As I prepare to work in Japan again, I felt that the black Apple Watch I had been wearing looked slightly too casual.
That said, the Apple Watch itself is an essential tool in my daily life.
I use it for contactless payments, task management, habit-tracking apps, and many other things without needing to take out my phone.
There were two reasons I chose the Series 7 titanium model.
The first was price. Since it was purchased second-hand, it was relatively affordable at 270 USD including the Link Bracelet.
The second was the finish.
Titanium models up to Series 7 feature a brushed finish with a stronger metallic character and a subtle shine depending on the light.
It’s not flashy, but it has an elegant premium feel.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
This was definitely the right purchase.
It works well with a suit, but it also adds a slightly refined touch to casual outfits.
I also like that the finish closely matches my wedding ring, creating a more cohesive overall look.
That said, I’m still undecided about whether to sell my black Apple Watch.
I use it for sleep tracking and gym sessions, so it still serves a purpose. At the same time, owning two Apple Watches feels a little excessive.
WAIPER.inc M-65 Fishtail Parka
What is it?
A reproduction of the U.S. military M-65 fishtail parka. It includes a removable liner and can be worn across three seasons: spring, fall, and winter.
Why I bought it
I wanted a coat that could work with both suits and casual clothing.
Given the limited storage space in Japanese homes, owning multiple coats isn’t very practical.
This coat can fill several roles at once.
The removable liner allows it to adapt to different seasons, making it a versatile option.
I bought it second-hand for 55 USD.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
Since it’s not coat season yet, I haven’t worn it very much.
However, it seems easy to pair with almost anything, and I expect it to become one of my most-used outerwear pieces.
Healthknit Socks
What is it?
A classic sock from Healthknit, an American heritage brand. They’re known for being comfortable, supportive, and easy to wear for long periods.
Why I bought it
My old black socks were wearing out.
I already owned the white version of the same model and liked them enough to buy another pair in black.
What I like most is that they stay up without feeling tight.
They’re comfortable even after wearing them all day.
They cost 13 USD.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
Exactly what I expected.
Considering the price, I think these offer excellent value for money.
While researching them, I discovered they are manufactured by a Japanese company called Adven.
The company also produces its own sock brand, which I may try in the future.
HARIO V60 Metal Coffee Mill
What is it?
A compact manual coffee grinder designed for hand-grinding coffee beans. Although it’s suitable for outdoor use, it can still grind enough coffee for everyday brewing while taking up very little space.
Why I bought it
To reduce my coffee expenses.
That said, I wasn’t willing to sacrifice quality just to save money.
Grinding whole beans seemed like the best solution.
Since Japanese homes are generally small, I didn’t want a large coffee grinder taking up space.
Instead, I chose this compact model originally designed with outdoor use in mind.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
Before buying it, I was worried it might be too small.
In reality, it can grind enough beans for about three cups of coffee at a time.
That’s exactly how much coffee I typically drink, making it very practical.
Thanks to this grinder, I can enjoy coffee every day while keeping my monthly coffee expenses around 6 USD.
Buy Here
I looked around for the same product and similar models, and it appears that this grinder is still available on Amazon.
If you’re interested, feel free to take a look.
PRORASO Shaving Soap Sensitive
What is it?
A shaving soap from PRORASO, a long-established Italian shaving brand. This version is designed for sensitive skin and is popular among beginners using safety razors.
Why I bought it
I recently switched to a double-edge safety razor.
The main reason for making the switch was to save money.
I had been using Gillette cartridge razors, but replacement cartridges had become too expensive.
As a result, I decided to try a safety razor instead.
I chose this soap because it’s affordable, well-known, and designed for sensitive skin, making it beginner-friendly.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 4/5
I have no complaints about its performance.
It lathers well and provides a smooth shaving experience.
However, I personally wish the scent were a little stronger.
Since I’m already using a traditional safety razor setup, it would be nice if the fragrance added more enjoyment to the shaving ritual.
I’ll probably try a different soap next time.
Buy Here
I found that this shaving soap is also available on Amazon.
If you’re interested, feel free to check it out.
Linkidea Universal Safety Razor Brush Stand
What is it?
A stand that stores a safety razor, shaving brush, and lathering bowl in one place. It’s designed to make efficient use of limited bathroom counter space.
Why I bought it
After switching to a safety razor, I suddenly had more shaving equipment sitting around my sink.
I wanted a storage solution that would keep everything organized while taking up as little space as possible.
What I liked about this model is that it can also hold a shaving bowl.
Having all the essentials in one place keeps things tidy and organized.
At 21 USD, it was also reasonably priced.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
It has performed exactly as I hoped.
Being able to store my razor, brush, and bowl together keeps the sink area uncluttered.
I think it’s especially useful for people living in smaller homes where space is limited.
My only concern is durability.
It appears to have a plated finish, so I’m slightly worried about rust if the plating eventually wears away.
Buy Here
I looked around for the same product and similar alternatives, and it appears to still be available on Amazon.
If you’re interested, feel free to check it out.
Yamazen Slim Book Tower
What is it?
A space-saving bookshelf that stores books vertically. Compared to a traditional bookshelf, it takes up much less floor space while still holding a large number of books.
Why I bought it
I wanted a bookshelf that could fit into a small space.
I read a lot of physical books, but I don’t have enough room for a conventional bookshelf.
A book tower seemed like the perfect solution because it makes use of vertical space.
It cost 58 USD.
First Impressions
Satisfaction: 5/5
I like it a lot.
Despite its small footprint, it holds a surprising number of books.
Another advantage is visibility. It’s easy to see book spines and quickly find what I’m looking for.
You can also display book covers, which makes it feel a bit like a decorative piece rather than just storage.
Buy Here
I searched for the similar models and found that they are still available on Amazon.
If you’re interested, feel free to take a look.
Let Go
I believe letting things go is just as important as buying new things.
Looking back at why I sold or donated something often reveals what I truly value.
This month, most of what I let go of was footwear.
New Balance 991v2
What is it?
One of the flagship models in New Balance’s Made in UK lineup. It’s highly regarded for its classic design and premium materials.
Why I let it go
The comfort simply wasn’t right for me.
I genuinely loved the look of this shoe.
It worked with almost every outfit and, in terms of design, I think it’s one of the best-looking models New Balance has ever made.
That said, I’ve walked well over 10 million steps in my lifetime.
As a result, my standards for long-distance walking shoes have become fairly demanding.
The 991v2 is not a bad shoe by any means.
However, I found the cushioning and energy return slightly lacking for my needs.
When a shoe isn’t completely comfortable, I naturally find myself reaching for it less often.
Eventually, I decided to let it go.
I was able to sell it on the second-hand market for 136 USD.
I’ve also written a detailed review of this shoe, so feel free to check that out if you’re interested.
What I Learned
This reminded me that function should come before appearance.
No matter how attractive something looks, if it creates friction every time you use it, you’ll eventually stop reaching for it.
Liking something and being compatible with something are not always the same thing.
New Balance 993 Triple Black
What is it?
One of the flagship models in New Balance’s Made in USA lineup. It’s known for its excellent balance of cushioning and stability, making it a great choice for long periods of walking.
Why I let it go
After years of use, the midsole had finally worn out.
The 993 is one of my favorite shoes, so I purchased a second pair and decided to let go of the original.
Considering its condition, I was pleasantly surprised to sell it for 102 USD.
Regular maintenance may have helped preserve its value.
What I Learned
I think there’s value in treating your possessions as if they’re borrowed, even when you own them.
That doesn’t mean being overly protective.
If you become so concerned about keeping something perfect that it creates stress, you’ve reversed the relationship and become a servant to your possessions.
However, basic maintenance is rarely a burden.
A little care goes a long way.
It helps you enjoy an item for longer, and it often increases its value when it’s time to let it go.
May’s Lesson
I bought quite a few things this month, yet strangely, it didn’t feel like I accumulated more stuff.
Looking back, that’s because none of these purchases were really about adding something.
They were about reducing something else.
The M-65 was intended to reduce the number of coats I own.
The coffee grinder was meant to reduce my coffee expenses.
The safety razor was meant to reduce ongoing shaving costs.
The book tower was meant to make better use of limited space.
Even the Apple Watch was a way of combining a work-appropriate watch and a smartwatch into a single item.
Long-lasting products.
Space efficiency.
Lower ongoing costs.
When I reflect on this month’s purchases, those seem to be the principles that guided almost every decision.
Looking back at the things I let go of also helped clarify what I value.
Function over appearance.
Using things over simply owning them.
And choosing what to keep rather than constantly adding more.
Perhaps good shopping isn’t about accumulating possessions.
Perhaps it’s about keeping only the things that truly deserve a place in your life.
Next month, I’ll once again document what entered my life and what left it.
See These Items in My Daily Life
Most of the items I write about on this blog are things I actually use every day.
If you’d like to see how they fit into my daily life—not just as reviews, but as part of my routines—I share that on YouTube and Instagram.
You’ll find everything from studying and work to coffee, reading, and everyday life in Japan.
Thanks for reading!
