Meet Mitsuharu Kume — the closest real-world equivalent I’ve ever found to Kevin Costner’s “Mariner” from Waterworld. He may not have gills (that I know of), but he has everything else: a life shaped by tides, storms, shipwrecks, deep dives, and a lifelong devotion to the ocean. Mitsu is a fisherman, diver, sailor, photographer, conservationist, educator, and a father. He began life as a marine civil engineer designing harbours in Tokyo… but quickly realised he didn’t want to design the ocean — he wanted to live in it. So he left the office, joined an offshore fishing boat, and never looked back. During his years on Tanegashima he became deeply involved in sea turtle conservation and launched Sea Turtle Crew, an NPO dedicated to protecting loggerhead turtles and teaching island children about the marine world they inherit. 👉 www.turtle-crew.com Today, Mitsu is preparing a 33-foot Coura (a 1969 Ranger 33) to follow the turtles’ ancient route to Mexico. 🌊 Buren Bay — Our Harbour, Our Community Buren Bay is more than the mooring point for my sailboat, Wahine. It is my longevity laboratory, my home for reflection and writing… and the home of Mitsu — the unofficial Commodore of our tiny, informal yacht harbour. Living beside him has taught me more than any textbook, lecture, or seminar ever could. He has helped me navigate treacherous weather, introduces me to the community, and on stormy days when reaching my boat is “adventurous,” he offers me his guest room. 🌿 Lessons From Mitsu Our conversations on the steps of his vintage seaside home drift from philosophy to nonsense, from purpose to parenting, from seamanship to gratitude. He reminds me to be brave. To be kind. To work hard. To respect the sea. And to stay rooted: in family, in community, in responsibility. His 92-year-old mother — sharp, independent, living life on her own terms — embodies the resilience I’ve spent two years studying on my journey across Japan. We all need a Mitsu in our life — someone who keeps us honest, grounded, and moving forward under full sail. thanks to Mitsu for providing some of the footage 🌏 Learn more about Mitsu’s sea turtle conservation work: ➡️ www.turtle-crew.com 00:00 – Meet Mitsu: Japan’s Real-Life “Waterworld” Mariner 00:36 – A Life Lived in and on the Ocean 01:12 – From Tokyo Engineer to Offshore Fisherman 01:49 – Survival Stories: Sinking Boats and Deep Waters 02:27 – Tanegashima & The Birth of Sea Turtle Crew 03:05 – Protecting Japan’s Loggerhead Turtles 03:42 – A Sailor’s Dream: Preparing to Cross to Mexico 04:13 – Patagonia, Vegetable Oil Vans & Island Education 04:48 – Life in Buren Bay: Wahine, Community & Friendship 05:28 – Mitsu’s Wisdom: Family, Purpose & Living Fully 06:07 – Lessons Learned Beside a Mountain Stream 06:42 – The 92-Year-Old Mother Who Still Inspires 07:15 – Why We All Need a Mitsu in Our Life If your video ends earlier or later, I can adjust timestamps—just #Japan #Okinawa #Amami #BurenBay #SailingLife #OceanConservation #SeaTurtles #LoggerheadTurtles #Waterworld #MitsuharuKume #LongevityProject #PacificSolo #NeverTooLateAcademy #JapanStories #SailboatLife #IslandLifeJapan

While grabbing a bite to eat near my “Longevity Laboratory” here in Amami, my mate Matt Pride of Amami Adventures spotted a sign with the funniest—and surprisingly insightful—comparison between 18-year-olds and 81-year-olds. Matt’s Japanese is better than mine, so he translated it. Someone in this little town definitely has a sense of humour. Here’s the wisdom from the sign: 18-year-old: drives fast down the road 81-year-old: drives the wrong way down the road 18-year-old: weak heart 81-year-old: weak bones 18-year-old: doesn’t know anything 81-year-old: doesn’t remember anything 18-year-old: worries about exam scores 81-year-old: worries about blood sugar & blood pressure 18-year-old: falls in love 81-year-old: falls in the bath 18-year-old: fights with exams 81-year-old: fought with America Basically: At 18, you’re searching for yourself. At 81, you’ve finally found yourself. Japan does longevity with grace, grit… and very good humour. The art of community lives even in the signs by the roadside. Check out Matt at @amamiadventures #boatlife #writerslife #japan

After visiting 14 prefectures, spending time in Japan’s longevity hotspots, and interviewing some remarkable people, I’m finally back in Amami — and heading back to my boat tomorrow. I’ve just completed the fourth draft of my new book on longevity and it’s now with a small group of beta readers. Soon I’ll begin writing the fifth draft. This morning I’m in Naze, taking my usual Japanese-style walk, and like so many parks across the country, people are already out playing gateball. It happens every morning. I’ve chatted with them — they’re genki, energetic, and committed to gathering with friends for movement and fun. Radio Taiso is part of that rhythm too. Pickleball is growing in Japan, and I feature it in my book’s “future trends” chapter, but for now gateball remains the number one morning activity for community, connection, and gentle exercise. It’s good to be back — both in Amami and soon on my boat. Thanks for following along, even during the months with less sailing content. More to come as I settle back into boat life and continue this journey across Japan’s Blue Zones and beyond. Have a great day everyone. #gateball #pickleball #japan

Japanese Walking isn’t just a TikTok trend — it actually has two distinct forms: 1) Traditional Japanese Walking A slow, steady, mindful style practiced by samurai and long-distance walkers. Arms and legs on the same side move together (right arm + right leg), unlike Western walking where opposite limbs synchronize. It’s designed for endurance, posture, and quiet efficiency over long distances. 2) Modern “Japanese Walking” (Fitness Craze) A new workout trending abroad: - 3 minutes at ~40% effort - 3 minutes at ~70% effort → Repeated for about 30 minutes It blends intervals with relaxed aerobic movement for a simple, accessible cardio routine. Both celebrate movement as a daily practice — one rooted in history, the other in modern fitness. #JapaneseWalking #SamuraiWalking #Longevity #Tokyo #WalkingWorkout #HealthTips #JapanLife #BlueZones #MindfulMovement #japan #fitness #longevity

Still away from my boat, I’m in Shibuya, Tokyo, standing beside the iconic Moyai statue, a gift from Niijima Island. Years ago, I sailed there by chance and found these statues all across the island—modern interpretations of the Moai of Easter Island (Rapa Nui). What’s fascinating is how three very different “moai” traditions share a common heartbeat: community, protection, and social connection. ---- Rapa Nui Moai (Easter Island) The original monoliths honored ancestors, believed to watch over and protect communities. Their creation required enormous collective effort — a symbol of shared purpose. ----- Niijima Moyai (Tokyo / Niijima Island) Inspired by Easter Island, these statues also play on Japanese word meanings: moyai = to moor a boat moyai = to gather / work together They embody community and coming together. ----- Okinawa Moai (Social Circles) In Okinawa, moai are lifelong social groups — mutual support networks sharing resources, friendship, and emotional care. Scholars say they help prevent kodokushi — lonely death, especially among elders. It’s no wonder Okinawa is a global longevity hotspot. Community is not an accessory, it’s a survival skill. These layers of meaning inspired my new book, Longevity and the Art of Community: Lessons from Japan. From Easter Island to Niijima to Okinawa, the message is the same: We live longer when we live together. Pretty cool, eh? See you next time. Back to the Boat soon. #Moai #Moyai #Tokyo #Shibuya #Okinawa #Community #Longevity #BlueZones #JapanCulture #EasterIsland #Niijima #Kodokushi #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate

I have been away from my boat for two weeks and am wrapping up this leg of research in Japan’s longevity hotspots. After speaking with locals, experts, and elders, one truth keeps rising to the surface: longevity begins in the mind. Yes—diet, movement, and microbiome all matter. But Japan has taught me that mindset may matter most. In English, we speak of the Fountain of Youth. In Japan, there is 清心の泉 (Seishin-no-Izumi)—the inner spring of a clear, spirited heart. It isn’t something you travel to find. It’s something you cultivate within. As I finalize the fourth draft of my new book and begin the fifth, this idea is becoming central: Longevity is less about defying time and more about nourishing the inner spark. Follow along as this journey continues. #Longevity #Mindset #SeishinNoIzumi #BlueZones #AgingWell #Japan #LongevityMindset #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate #LongevitySecrets #FountainOfYouth #HealthyLongevity #JapanCulture #InnerStrength

I traveled to Kyotango in Kyoto Prefecture — a community with three times Japan’s national average of centenarians — to meet the people behind the statistics. From proactive health checks to a humorous breakfast song… and finally, a 97-year-old husband with a cheeky secret to long life — this visit reminded me that longevity isn’t only about diet or data. It’s about culture, connection, purpose… and joy. Full story coming soon in my book: A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone. #NeverTooLate #Longevity #BlueZone #Japan #Kyotango #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate #HealthyLife #Centenarian #JapanLife #LiveLonger

Matsue, capital of Shimane, Japan’s #1 prefecture for centenarians per 100,000 people, continues to reveal its secret to long, healthy life. Yesterday, a businessman told me the answer in one breath: “Stress-free… because we are a good community.” This morning, before I boarded a train, I returned to Matsue Castle and found that truth alive. I joined the Taiso morning exercise group again and chatted before hand with Junko (80), who comes every day, rain, snow, or sunshine to stretch, do Taiso, laugh with friends, and feed the feral cats. Next stop → Kyotango, Kyoto, another longevity hotspot — a City with nearly 3× Japan’s national average of centenarians. Community. Rhythm. Routine. Japan lives it. And it works. Matsue Castle, Shimane #LongevityStories #JapanTravel #Longevity #JapanLongevity #Shimane #Matsue #BlueZoneJapan #HealthyAging #AgingWell #ActiveSeniors #Taiso #MorningRoutine #JapanTravel #Centenarians #CommunityHealth #RadioTaiso #JapanLife #HealthyLiving #NeverTooLate

Hello from Shimane Prefecture, near Izumo Taisha — one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. This is said to be the beach where the gods land. Twenty-five years ago, I cycled the length of Japan in what my publisher called “a spiritual journey through Japan.” Along the way, I prayed Celtic prayers at temples and shrines, believing that the fabric of life is woven from many threads — and one of them is spiritual. Now, standing in the rain by the Sea of Japan, I return to this sacred coast — still exploring what longevity really means in Japan. Join me as the journey continues. #NeverTooLateAcademy #BeyondTheBlueZone #IzumoTaisha #Shimane #JapanTravel #Longevity #BlueZone #NeverTooLate #SpiritualJourney #JapaneseCulture #BeyondTheBlueZone #CyclingJapan #TravelJapan #AgingWell #MindfulTravel #SacredJapan #JapanVlog #writerslife

I left my boat three days ago to come to Shimane Prefecture, a Japanese longevity hotspot, more people live past 100 than anywhere else in the country. I came here to work on my book Longevity and the Art of Community: Lessons from Japan, but also to reflect on what it really means to live well and to finish well. I met a man whose 92-year-old mother had lived independently until just weeks before her passing. Her story reminded me of two women who shaped this journey: my mother and a farmer we called Granny of the Fields, who worked her terraced land until days before she died. My son, Mackenzie Sheppard, captured Granny’s story in a short, award-winning film — a quiet portrait of endurance, simplicity, and purpose. Watching it again here in Shimane, I’m reminded that longevity isn’t about adding years to life — it’s about adding life to years. Back in Shimane Prefecture, a noteworthy Japan longevity hotspot. It's inspiring to witness elderly wisdom and the secrets to aging well firsthand. Reflecting on the importance of health and a long life as integral parts of the aging process in this unique community.

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