Pacific Solo

A few final days in Japan before an early flight south.

This short video captures some familiar sights: Mount Fuji from the train, the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree, and the crowds taking part in the annual tradition of visiting a shrine.

After five weeks away overseas with family, and finishing the manuscript of my latest book during a brief return to Tokyo, I’m heading back toward my boat, Wahine, in remote Uken Inlet on Amami Island.

A small pause before the year gathers speed and before the next chapter begins.

#NewYearInJapan, #SlowTravel, #writerslife

youtube.com/shorts/nSX9W0sJ5D...

7 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Pacific Solo

Back to Yumenoshima Marina today where my boat life began nearly 7 years ago.

Caught up with my good friend Captain Claude: the man who got me through my Class One license and saved me more than once in those early, wobbly months of ownership.

These days he’s racing a one-off Kawamoto 32, and doing it in style. As part of the Tokyo Yacht Club, he entered 7 races last year and won 5. Not bad at all.

Fair winds and a big congrats to my mate, Captain Claude

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6 days ago | [YT] | 20

Pacific Solo

Well travelled, well read, well worn #ikigai #ikigaibook #ikigai now back to the boat

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

Pacific Solo

After months of writing taking a two week break and focusing boat projects. Starting out small with this afternoons project. Satisfying! Now onto the rigging!

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Pacific Solo

I left Wahine in Amami and took a big boat to the ‘Land of the Immortals’ asking the question “What Went Wrong in Okinawa?”

Yesterday brought a breakthrough. I realized that if I want to understand what went wrong in Okinawa, once called the Land of Immortals, I can’t only talk to the aged. The younger generations are keen observers, too.

A 33-year-old Okinawan business owner spoke about his parents in their sixties and seventies, expressing concern about the long “red zone” of decline. I agree. He reminded me that moai, traditional circles of friendship and support, are still alive and well here, often tied to childhood bonds and local communities. For some, that brings belonging; for others, it can feel confining.

I had several conversations and interviews yesterday, and I haven`t even left Naha yet. I’ll soon head north to Ogimi, the village made famous by the best sellers: Blue Zones and Ikigai.

This is my second research journey into Japan’s longevity hotspots this year, part of nearly three decades of slow travel to all 47 prefectures by bicycle and boat. It is also part of the third draft of my upcoming book: Beyond the Blue Zone.

Longevity is not only written in diets or exercise, but also in the ways people return, remember, and relate. The health of a society is written too in the perceptions of its youth, those who carry both the weight of tradition and the longing for something different. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. #longevity #life #japan

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3 months ago | [YT] | 2

Pacific Solo

This weekend I begin a 30-day solo journey up Japan’s Pacific coast, not on my own boat this time, but aboard ferries and slow ships. Each day I’ll post a short video with glimpses of travel, culture, and my ongoing quest to uncover what it means to age well in Japan.

But here’s the question: Which theme are you most interested to see?

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Pacific Solo

Four years ago, after a two-year separation, I finally saw my mother again. She was worth every COVID-related travel hoop I had to jump through.

Now, four years later, she is gone. I am 70. I failed in my dream to cross the Pacific, but I’m still here, still living on my boat, still exploring remote corners of Japan, and now celebrating the birth of a second grandson.

I’m on a new quest, not for myself, but for my two grandsons, who mean the world to me. I can’t change the century they’re stepping into, but I want to leave them wisdom for navigating it, and carrying their own light into the 22nd century.

My mother lived into her 90s, but her decline during the solitude of COVID was heartbreaking to watch. It impressed on me that the goal is not simply a long life, but a good one: to live well, stay strong, and keep the years of decline as short as possible. That’s the legacy I want to leave.

This quest is bigger than my own story. It’s about uncovering truths, challenging longevity myths, and sharing insights worth passing on.

This weekend is Respect for the Aged Day here in Japan. I’ll be at the local festival in Buren village, and then taking a slow boat (ferry) to Okinawa to ask a big question: What went wrong with the Blue Zone?

So—watch this space.

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Pacific Solo

February was a whirlwind of adventure—family, sailing, and the Osaka Marathon! 🏃‍♂️🚤

Spent an unforgettable month with my brother and cousin, exploring Japan by boat and land. From cruising Tokyo’s waterways to the energy of the Osaka Marathon, February was packed with incredible moments.

Now, I’m back on the boat, sailing north... but currently recovering from a run-in with norovirus on a small island. Not exactly the kind of adventure I planned! 😅

Check out the latest video for all the fun (minus the virus). Watch now! 🎥👉 https://youtu.be/5KnOE2gu13Y

#JapanTravel #BoatLife #OsakaMarathon #TokyoByBoat #FamilyAdventure #SailingJapan #PacificSolo

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10 months ago | [YT] | 3

Pacific Solo

Hi! I turn 70 next month, and to celebrate, I will sail the length of Japan during Cherry Blossom Season. Check out my latest video to find out why. Thanks for following along. Remember, It`s Never Too Late! https://youtu.be/j4RmaYIr_yA

11 months ago | [YT] | 7

Pacific Solo

Want a behind-the-scenes look at a popular Japanese Marina for Cruisers and see how they usher in the New Year. Check out the latest video: https://youtu.be/7UtLhVZPJBU

11 months ago | [YT] | 2