A few fishermen return from the sea, each with a single small catch, just a couple dozen fish in total. The fish are laid out in a colorful display, each one marked in its own unique way, ready for the brief but effecient auction. Local women also gather on the dock. Before the bidding starts, they move together through Radio Taiso, Japan’s national morning exercise routine. It’s a ritual that has echoed across generations and done communities and places of work and in parks across Japan. It is involves stretching body, lifting the spirit, and .practicing the Art of Community, Japan style Taiso ends and within seconds, the auction begins and ends — slates raised, smiles shared, and another day’s rhythm established. This isn’t a retirement village; it’s a working community where every generation has a place, and where work and play naturally blend. Even a turtle makes makes a regular appearance to witness local vitality gently expressed. Here, longevity isn’t a theory. It’s lived out in movement, purpose, and connection, This is the Art of Community on full display in a small coastal town in Japan. Radio Taiso and the Fishermen — The Art of Community at Dawn #boatlife #JapanLife #writerslife

Hi, I’m Lowell Sheppard, back on board Wahine here in Buren Bay, Japan — well, almost! I’m checking in after some time away and happy to report she’s stayed dry and mold-free. But let’s talk about typhoon season in Japan — it’s not over yet. Even in mid-October, Japan can still get hit hard. Whether you’re a cruiser, sailor, or planning to sail around Japan, remember: 🌪️ Typhoon season lasts longer than you think. ⚓ There’s no completely safe region — from Tokyo to the Seto Inland Sea. 🌀 I’ve been in the eye of a typhoon three times in five years — and learned a lot each time. If you’re preparing your boat or planning a passage in Japan, this one’s for you. #NeverTooLate to learn from the seas. 🌊 #SailingJapan #TyphoonSeason #Wahine #PacificSolo #CruisingLife #SailingAdventure #JapanSailing #BoatLife #OceanLife #SailboatLiving #NeverTooLate #LowellSheppard

Here in the mountains, far from the ocean, they’ve bred a special freshwater salmon — a cross between rainbow trout and brown trout, that can’t reproduce. A delicious reminder that not everything lasting needs to multiply to make an impact. My friend and literary agent Koji, once a Hollywood ninja, now channels his stealth and storytelling into reviewing literature from a Ninja’s Perspective. Check out his brilliant channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@shinkoma_entertainment_2914 This marks the close of my research journey for the third draft of my book, A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone. Next stop — back to the boat and writing. #JapanJourney #FreshwaterSalmon #BlueZoneBook

I left the boat behind in Amami and took the big boat to Okinawa ( read Ferry) and it is day 6 of my second journey this year to Japan`s Longevity Hot Spots. I am in Okinawa asking the question of what went wrong. Why is it not a Blue Zone anymore. Among the conversations I have had since I arrived is one I had with a 33 year old. It enlightened me. Longevity isn’t just about how long we live — it’s also about how well. In Okinawa, once known as the “Land of Immortals,” I’ve been asking not just the elderly, but also the younger generation what they see in their parents and grandparents. On Day 6 of my 30-day journey across Japan’s longevity hotspots, I spoke with a 33-year-old Okinawan who shared candid thoughts about the “red zone” — the extended period of declining health that too many face. His words revealed something crucial: longevity casts a long shadow, and the younger generation feels it too. Community traditions like moai are still alive, often fueled by social connections and even drinking culture, but questions remain: how can Okinawa, and Japan more broadly, sustain not just lifespan, but healthy lifespan? This journey is part of my research for my upcoming book, A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone. These are glimpses of what I’m discovering — insights that challenge the myths and reveal deeper truths about aging, resilience, and community. #Longevity #BlueZones #HealthyAging #Resilience #Japan

At 4:30 AM I boarded a ferry south through the Ryukyu Islands, retracing the route Wahine and I had sailed just months ago. Destination: Okinawa—once called the Land of Immortals by the Chinese. But today, Okinawa is no longer a Blue Zone. In fact, it’s the only prefecture in Japan where lifespans are actually declining. Why? What went wrong? This is Day 4 of my 30-day solo journey to Japan’s longevity hotspots—seeking answers, stories, and wisdom about how to live long and live well.

Day 3 of my 30-day journey through Japan’s longevity hotspots took a surprising turn. While bailing out my tender in heavy rain, lightning struck close enough to shake the boat and leave me wondering if Wahine herself had been hit. Thankfully, everything survived — including me! Now I’m leaving Buren Bay, where the Respect for the Aged Festival has just wrapped up, and heading to Naze to catch a 14.5-hour island-hopping ferry to Okinawa. There, I’ll be digging deeper into the big question: what went wrong with the Blue Zone? #LongevityJourney #boatlife #BlueZone Welcome to Pacific Solo, where I, Lowell Sheppard, share my sailing adventures and discoveries around Japan. Initially, my goal was to sail across the Pacific solo before turning 70, but that journey is on permanent hold due to unforeseen circumstances. Now, at 70, I’m setting a new course to replicate what I did 25 years ago by bike—sailing the full length of Japan while following the annual Cherry Blossom front. Along the way, I’ll explore Japan’s fascinating culture, its aging population, and what it means to live an energized, active life. Join me as I continue to learn, grow, and share the stories of my journey. Also, check out my sister channel, Never Too Late Academy, for content on personal growth, adventure, and living life to the fullest.https://www.youtube.com/@nevertoolateacademy Thanks as always to my patrons and sponsors and to @sailingramona for the drone shots. #sailingjapan #boatlife #adventure

Day 2 of my 30-day solo journey into Japan’s longevity hotspots. After yesterday’s Respect for the Aged Festival, today was cleanup day—but also a chance to reflect on last night’s celebration where over 100 villagers, young and old, gathered to honor those over 70. From karaoke and radio taiso to wisdom from Kitamura-san, 80 years old and still leading his company, the lessons are simple but powerful: eat natural foods, don’t overeat, and stay connected to your community. These are not just cultural traditions, they are building blocks for resilience and longevity. Tomorrow I set off toward Okinawa, once the world’s most famous Blue Zone, to uncover what went wrong. Let me know what themes you are interested in as I seek out insights. #resilience #bluezone #community

It’s Respect for the Aged Day here in Japan 🇯🇵—a national holiday that began back in 1947 as “Old Folks Day” before being renamed in the ’60s. I just learned that you officially qualify as “aged” here at 70… which makes me a newbie to the celebration! Here in the village of Buren, where I’m moored with my sailboat Wahine, they’ve welcomed me into their community festival. And in true local style, the holiday is combined with their love of Sumo—complete with a parade where, yes, I’ll be joining in. This is Day 1 of my 30-day solo journey through Japan, exploring longevity, resilience, and the traditions that shape aging well.

When the village where you are moored asks you to wear a sumo belt, you don’t say no! It`s Preparation day in Buren Village for the Respect for the Aged Festival. The sumo ring here is over 100 years old, and Kitamura-san, 80 years young, is still part of keeping the tradition alive. Tomorrow, I’ll join the men of the village in their parade, wearing the traditional sumo belt. It’s moments like this—where history, resilience, and community intersect—that remind me why I love exploring Japan’s hidden stories. I say with Four men for lunch. I am 70 and I was the youngest. the oldest is 85. All are living independent and active lives. #Longevity #Japan #nevertoolate

This weekend I begin a 30-day solo journey up the Pacific coast of Japan—not on my own sailboat Wahine, but aboard ferries and big boats captained by others. I’ll be revisiting waters I once sailed, exploring longevity hotspots, and asking tough questions—like why Okinawa is no longer a Blue Zone. Along the way, I’ll share tasters from the journey that will feed into the third draft of my upcoming book A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone. I’ll try to post one short video every day—snapshots of travel, culture, aging well, and life in Japan. Join me on this slow¥ journey. #SlowTravelJapan #LongevityQuest #author Japan travel Longevity hotspots Japan Okinawa Blue Zone Respect for the Aged Day Japan Ferry travel Japan Life in Japan Slow travel Japan Aging well Never Too Late Academy Journey Beyond the Blue Zone

Dreaming of owning a boat? Before you even buy one, there are six things I wish I had practiced or studied more. These are skills and habits that would have eased my anxiety, sped up my learning curve, and made the first days onboard far smoother. The best part? You don’t need a boat yet to start doing them—and they can actually be fun. From learning the language of sailing, to studying weather and engines, to the number one tip—practicing knots—these are simple but powerful ways to prepare yourself for life on the water. This isn’t a “how-to” video. It’s more of a “wish I had” video—straight, no-frills, and from experience. #BoatingLife #Buyingaboat #LearnToBoat Are you a Never-T00-Later like me? Check out the Never Too Late Academy at www.nevertoolateacademy.com Drone footage courtesy of @SailingRamona The image of boat terms can be found at this website: https://l-36.com/terms.php

Back on board Wahine after six weeks away. No mold (a sailor’s small victory!) and Buren Bay is as beautiful as ever. In this short, I share a quick check-in and a teaser for my upcoming video: the five things I wish I had done before buying a boat. Whether you’re a beginner sailor or just dreaming of life afloat, it’s never too late to learn something new. #SailingLife #Liveaboard #NeverTooLate

"After six weeks in the city, I return to the island—and am greeted by a sailor’s perfect picture: a calm sea, blue skies, and a squall cloud rolling in. City life has its rhythm, but here the horizon reminds you of raw, quiet power. For sailors, rain doesn’t matter—it’s the wind that can both propel and destroy. Out here, the sky and sea enlarge the soul. A true sailor’s delight." You can follow my travels and writings @PacificSolo also on Instagram and Facebook #SailingLife #OceanViews #NeverTooLate

Walking around the Imperial Palace and heading back soon to the boat. Watch full video here. https://youtu.be/SW0xbYIrxHE?si=X8tr_1u9ErK-Pi1P #imperialpalace #walking #japan

Wahine’s home when I found her was at Yumenoshima Marina — Tokyo’s “Island of Dreams.” Built on landfill, transformed into a marina and park, it was here that my journey with Wahine truly began. On this day off from writing, meetings, and even backgammon with my grandson, I return to Yumenoshima — to reconnect with the place and the people who helped launch this adventure. I meet Robin, a fellow Canadian sailor and former Disney executive, who was the very first guest aboard Wahine years ago. With his help, and the support of others, Wahine was readied for the voyage south. Robin has since bought his own 26-foot sailboat, Figaro, and today, I join him to sail Tokyo Bay. This video is about more than just sailing. It’s about friendships, memories, and the places that leave lasting marks on our lives. As I prepare to welcome my second grandson into the world before returning south to Buren Bay and new adventures, I’m reminded: It’s never too late to pull up anchor… or drop one… to live your dream. #sailinglife #tokyobay #itsnevertoolate thanks to Mackenzie and @SailingRamona for the drone footage of Wahine

July began with a scare caused by a Manga Prediction and an unprecedented earthquake swarm near by. but what followed was deeper—a quiet goodbye. In this meditative video essay, I reflect on what i

Boat life may be good for the soul… but not for the waistline. Back on land, walking every day in one of my favorite valleys in Japan, I’m reminded of when I used to cycle 70 km before breakfast. Now

New Meditative Video Coming soon Lowell here from Pacific Solo and the Never Too Late Academy. I’m back on the mainland, diving deeper into longevity research across Japan—building on Blue Zones and Ikigai. After three days off my feet from blisters, I’m walking again (aiming for 10 km/day) and reflecting on motion, sacred places, and the people who anchor us. A new meditative long-form video is on the way. Mitsu is back in Buren and watching over his boat and mine,. All is well. 🎥 Subscribe for slow travel, long life, and reflections from sea and land.

Hi, Lowell here from Pacific Solo and the Never Too Late Academy, aboard my Gib Sea 402 Wahine, moored in Buren Bay on Japan’s Amami Island. With one typhoon heading toward China (safe travels, friends) and another brewing for next week, I’m prepping Wahine before heading to the mainland for writing and meetings. A small but satisfying win today: my portable air conditioner is working again! It's now helping dry out the inside of the boat while I dehumidify, clean, and secure everything. Just in time. I’ll be away continuing work on my new book—part personal journey, part deep dive into longevity, drawn from life in Japan’s aging heartlands. Boat life teaches patience. Writing teaches perspective. Longevity? Still learning. Over and out—until the next typhoon. #boatlife #writerslife #japan

Living on a boat in remote Japan has its beauty… and its challenges. I’m moored in a quiet bay, in a remote spot on Amami Island, where the bus comes just a couple of times a day. With typhoon season approaching and writing deadlines too, I needed something on land: a shelter, an escape pod, and a way to move. So I took the ferry to Kakeroma Island to check out a $150 car. Something simple, something I could sleep in if needed, especially during storms. Spoiler: I bought it. Sometimes boat life needs a little help from land life. #BoatLife #TyphoonPrep #islandlife #japan