Last Thursday, I went to an event with Marie Kondo at the Royal Geographical Society, but did it spark joy? Read on below to find out.
On Thursday, the 16th of October 2025, Marie Kondo was in conversation live at London’s Royal Geographical Society.
The internationally renowned Japanese organising consultant and author, who inspired millions worldwide with her KonMari Method, answered questions from both the presenter and the audience.
She spoke in general about her tidying method, her life, and routines, while also giving us insights from her latest book: Letter from Japan.
In her book and lecture, she shared the guiding principles that shape her life and demonstrated how the traditions of her homeland can inspire joy in all of us. She offered personal reflections on her upbringing, family, career, and connection to Shintoism, while exploring how Japanese culture harmoniously blends a cutting-edge modern lifestyle with a profound respect for ancient customs and traditions.
In the foyer before and after the event, participants were able to buy a signed copy of Marie Kondo’s latest book. Over the last ten years, she has sold fourteen million books, which have been translated into more than forty languages.
Marie began her consultancy as a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo, which inspired her to write The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. This book landed at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and topped bestseller charts around the world. A handful of other books followed.
Now, what did I make of this event?
If you are a massive Marie Kondo fan, just seeing her in the flesh alone would make the event worthwhile. But I am not. Friends and readers will know that I am critical of some aspects of her KonMari method, finding them a tad too descriptive.
The fact that Marie Kondo doesn’t speak much English, and all the questions and her answers were translated, meant that I switched off at times and didn’t always find it easy to follow.
Further, she didn’t really tell me much I hadn’t already heard her say before, read in her books, or known as general knowledge of Japanese culture.
Still, as a professional organiser, I had to see the woman that many view as the ‘Queen of Organising.’
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,