Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai

Candice Kumai’s Art of Eating Well: The Forgotten Secret to Beauty, Health & Longevity

We live in an era obsessed with optimization — trackers, injections, powders, and pills — yet we’ve never been more sick, anxious, or disconnected from what truly nourishes us. In this episode, I return to the foundation of real wellness: fiber-rich, whole, beautiful food.

Inspired by Dr. Urvi Shah’s groundbreaking research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — showing how a plant-based, high-fiber diet can help prevent and slow disease — I share how eating well is the most powerful act of self-respect and healing.

This is your reminder to come back to the kitchen, the cutting board, and the joy of cooking real food. The art of eating well is the art of living beautifully. Thank you for listening xx Share this podcast with a few girlfriends and write a five star review! Be good to you xx x ck

Welcome to the Wabi Sabi podcast. This is episode number 192. Today, you’re going to hear something very few people in the world know about — insider knowledge, straight from the Prime Minister of Japan and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. I was one of only six Japanese American journalists invited into this room in New York, where leaders, UN members, and cultural representatives gathered to discuss the future of Japan’s food and heritage. What I’m going to share with you today is not just about rice, wagyu, or green tea — it’s about identity, preservation, and the wisdom that Japan wants the world to understand. Think of this episode as your private briefing — early access to insights that matter for all of us.

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 share the historical truth about matcha — from Eisai, the monk who first introduced powdered tea to Japan, to Sen no Rikyū, who refined the way of tea during the Tokugawa era. We trace matcha’s roots through centuries of Japanese history, examining its role as a cultural and spiritual practice as well as a daily ritual.

I also address the current shortage of ceremonial-grade matcha, why demand is outpacing supply, and what we can do about it. Finally, I call for better journalism around matcha — reporting that goes beyond trend-driven coverage to honor its sacred origins and the Japanese farmers and artisans who continue to protect and preserve this tradition.

— 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.

This week, I’m peeling back the glossy filters and calling it like it is.

Why are so many individuals on social just shaming machines in disguise? I’m talking about the rise of the shamefluencer — creators who weaponize wellness language to judge, call out, and divide. It’s a culture that prioritizes perfectionism over progress, comparison over compassion, and fear over freedom.

In this solo episode, I’m chatting performative wellness is hurting real healing, and what true self-work actually looks like — beyond the highlight reels and hashtags. Healing isn’t about shaming others to feel better about yourself or to grow a following or get clicks. It’s about embracing imperfection, owning your journey, and showing up with honesty and vulnerability. Be gentle with you and with all.

It’s time to reclaim wellness as a space for growth, connection, and kindness — not judgement.

A gentle reminder from me to you: everybody’s trying their best — and if you can be kind, be kind.

You can always be kind.

x Candice

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

The True Meaning of Matcha: History, Culture, and the Healing Ritual

In this special longform episode, you’ll discover the deep, often untold story behind matcha — where it really comes from, what it really means, and why it matters. If you’ve ever felt peace, clarity, or healing from a cup of matcha, this episode is your invitation to go deeper.

You’ll learn how matcha originated with Zen Buddhist monks, how it became a sacred part of Japanese tea ceremony, and how its quiet power has been passed down through generations — including in my own family. I share personal stories, cultural context, and the wisdom that’s been kept alive through ritual and respect.

This isn’t just about tea. It’s about reclaiming origins, honoring heritage, and asking thoughtful questions about wellness, appropriation, and integrity. You’ll walk away with a richer understanding of matcha, and hopefully, a new lens for how you approach your own healing practices.

This episode is for anyone who values culture, intention, and truth. It’s for those who want to move beyond the trend and toward something deeper.

Thank you for listening xx Candice + Matcha Code: https://itoen.com/products/matcha-love-organic?ref=CANDICE15

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.

This episode is for you — the one who’s quietly rebuilding, starting over, or holding it together when no one sees the effort. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure of what’s next… take a breath. You’re not alone.

You’re doing better than you think. You’ve survived things most people don’t even know about. And no matter where you are on your path — you are allowed to begin again.

This week, we’re talking about the real, unfiltered lessons that come with growth, reinvention, and protecting your peace. It’s a reminder that even in the messiest moments, there’s beauty. Even when it’s quiet, you’re still making progress.

You deserve to feel grounded, strong, and proud of how far you’ve come. Let this episode be a soft place to land.