Tag: shibui

All the articles with the tag "shibui".

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  Iki (粋) in Kanji: Edo Cool, and How to Write It

  By K. Yama ·

  Updated: 22 Oct, 2026

  Iki, 粋, is Edo's understated cool. What the one kanji means (it is also read sui, 'essence'), how Kuki Shūzō defined iki, and how to brush 粋 well.

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  Shibui (渋い): Understated Beauty, and Why It's Not Wabi-Sabi

  By K. Yama ·

  Updated: 13 Jun, 2026

  Shibui is Japan's understated, refined beauty — related to wabi-sabi but not the same thing. The difference, and why the word began as a sour taste.

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