Kakebo: The Japanese Art of Mindful Spending – A Proven Method to Save Money and Live a Happier, Healthier Life

I bought one of the "used" options for a little cheaper. It showed up a week earlier than I expected and I think it was marked as used simply because in the back it has calendars that are old. The calendars are completely unnecessary though. Nothing else in the book has dates. It has several pages in the front explaining how to effectively use it. It's layout appears to be clear and simple. I love that it has questions prompts to encourage you to really think about where your money is going. I have yet to actually use it seeing how I just got it yesterday. But I'm already recommending it to friends and family. I couldn't be more pleased with a budget book I think.

I love this book. I started this book 3 months ago and I plan to continue. It really breaks it down to help you start even if you do Not feel yet committed to try. It already has spaces to write for you to input your numbers and advise tips to encourage you to meet your goals that you fill in at the beginning of each month. Wanting to start somewhere to record, track, and discover where the heck your money is disappearing. Try this!

This review is purely for the book quality, and not the method, as I am writing this review on the eve of 2026, right before I start filling in my info! So far, the quality of the journal is great! Much nicer paper quality than I had been expecting, so it feels like a true journal waiting to be written in! The pages are smooth and a fair thickness (I feel like it would ghost, so, I'll be starting with pencil until I'm brave enough to try pens and marker). It has a monthly spread, then 5 weeks to record spending (Mon-Sun format). It would be easy to white out categories you don't need, or print labels, but you'll have to write small! Each month ends with a summary of expenses before a new undated month starts. I love that it is undated/unlabeled, so you truly can start wherever you want or pause and pick it up again if needed (12 months provided). My goal for 2026 is to be more mindful with my spending so I stop dipping into my savings. I really liked the idea of the Kakeibo method, though it is hard to find journalers making videos about it on YouTube (for research), so I am glad the first few pages break down all of the categories to guide you through setup and use. The last pages in the book are annual summaries-- I really hope I can stick with this kakeibo journal, as it will really help to maintain a budget and just see where I am spending my money. *EDIT* I used a Tombow Dual tip, Micron fine tip, and Tombow Fudenosuke -- NO bleeding, and basically no ghosting either!!

Kakebo is a good concept and keeps me on my toes. The one complaint I have is the calendars included in the back are from 2019 and 2020. Having the calendars are a welcomed addition, so it should at least be more current.

Muy lindo.

Best, intuitive indie kakeibo system I know of! Can't wait to fill it up and buy another. Have mine for almost a year and it's durable logbook!

I've used Kakeibos for budgeting for a very long time. I started by accident when I bought one thinking it was just a calendar from Japan and after translating everything I got my start. When I could no longer get the other one, I found this one and it has been a life saver. Very much recommended for anyone trying to get their crap together, and for those who have low income and want a way to manage what you have.

If you need to or want to be more fiscally responsible, this is a great journal of sorts to do that. Heads-up though, the years listed in the back of the book range from 2021-2022. This doesn't affect how the rest of the book is formatted.