Small population. Big numbers. And an intriguing question: **is there a connection?** My True Longevity Index™ brought me to Kagoshima Prefecture, and then the data led me further—to remote Isen Town on the island of Tokunoshima. Here, I found an unusually high concentration of centenarians, one of Japan’s highest fertility rates, and research exploring a correlation between local drinking-water characteristics and longevity. Isen was also home to Shigechiyo Izumi, once recognized as the world's oldest man. Longevity. Fertility. Water. Coincidence? Connected? Or is something else going on in this small, isolated community? I spent a fascinating few hours talking to one of the researchers, Yuki Matsuoka, the head of the Isen Town History Compilation Office. More on this to come This is **Leg One of a three-leg journey** through Japan, following the data to prefectures at both ends of my True Longevity Index™. I’m visiting the Top Ten and Bottom Three—but keeping the rankings secret as I travel. Hopefully the ferries arrive today. If they do, this first leg continues south as I island-hop through the Ryukyus and through the historic **“Land of the Immortals,”** following the longevity trail one island at a time. For now, one question: **KAGOSHIMA — TOP TEN or BOTTOM THREE?** Vote in the comments. 👇 https://japansolo.substack.com/p/top-ten-or-bottom-three #Japan #Longevity #Tokunoshima

I’m 71, and today I tried to keep up with three guys older than me. Hajiwa-san, Yamashita-san and Yasuda-san are all 75, already beyond Japan’s average healthy life expectancy. And this wasn’t just hanging around the boat. They rowed half a kilometer offshore, measured and worked on the rigging, climbed the mast, and helped get the dinghy back ashore ahead of the typhoon. Physical work, skilled work, and all three still work full time. These are the people I call Red Zone Rebels™: people I encounter in Japan who are continuing to live active, engaged lives beyond the age when the statistics tell us a healthy life is, on average, already beginning to run out. They are defying the statistics and the red zone, the gap between healthspan and lifespan. Not just longevity. What interests me is how people keep living well for longer. And at 71, I’m still learning from the guys ahead of me. Find out more about aging well at the https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ And the Defying the Redzone Substack: https://japansolo.substack.com/p/defying-the-red-zone-at-91 #RedZoneRebels #AgingWell #ActiveAging #Japan #Longevity #LifeAfter70 #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate #SailingJapan #JapanSolo

This autumn I’m traveling to 13 Japanese prefectures identified by my True Longevity Index™—the Top Ten and Bottom Three. I won’t tell you which is which. At every destination, I’ll post a Short with clues. Leave your guess in the comments: TOP TEN or BOTTOM THREE? There are prizes along the way. Find out more here https://japansolo.substack.com/p/top-ten-or-bottom-three?r=29en6p I’m putting the data and the TLI™ to the test as I continue searching Japan for insights into living long and well. It’s never too late to keep exploring. #Longevity #Japan #HealthyAging #TrueLongevityIndex #NeverTooLate #JapanTravel #AgingWell #LongevityResearch

Storm gone. Rainbow arrived. I’ll take it. 🌈⛵ https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #Wahine #AmamiOshima #Rainbow #SailingJapan #JapanSolo

The typhoon had passed, but its tail was still blowing through Buren Bay. I’m on typhoon watch for my friend Mitsu, Wahine’s new owner, while he is in Mexico preparing for next year’s Turtle Highway Project. Today was my first chance to get out to Wahine, anchored about half a kilometre offshore, to check on her and spend a couple of hours lifting, cleaning and putting things back in order after the storm. ( BTW Wahine`s new name is in the Text Graphics on the Video. It's subtle, but for the keen eyes you may spot it. And if you speak Japanese all the better) Getting out on the SUP was manageable. Coming home was different. The sustained wind wasn’t the problem. It was the powerful, frequent gusts I had to keep paddling against. About two-thirds of the way back, already tired from the work onboard, I found myself wondering: Is this just in my head, or am I actually feeling 71½? I made it ashore—completely depleted. Was it age, accumulated fatigue, or simply hard physical conditions? I don’t know. What I do know is that Wahine can wait a few days. I’ll go back when the wind has died down. It`s never too late to keep moving! https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #AgingWell #NeverTooLate #Japan

Back in Buren Bay, Amami Oshima — my longevity laboratory. I'm here for a few weeks, keeping an eye on Wahine during typhoon season while her new owner, Mitsu, is in Mexico preparing for next year's Turtle Highway project. But I'm also here to write, think, and prepare for my autumn research travels across Japan. And I've had a breakthrough in my longevity research—one that will help guide where I go next and what I look for when I get there. More on that soon. Until then, remember: the sun is always shining someplace. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #Japan #Longevity #HealthyAging #AmamiOshima #JapanSolo

For the past two years I've been travelling across Japan, letting longevity data guide my journey. This time the numbers have brought me to Shizuoka Prefecture—the prefecture with Japan's shortest Red Zone, the years between health span and lifespan. What makes people here stay healthier for longer? That's what I'm here to discover. This is the beginning of another chapter in my search for the lessons behind healthy aging in Japan. Subscribe for more field notes from Japan's longevity hotspots. #Japan #Longevity #JapanSoloFieldNotes https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/blog

Description Ten days ago, I thought I was coming to observe. I left having learned far more than I expected. This final episode begins, as so many mornings did, with Radio Taiso. Then it was time to say goodbye. Before Chiharu left, I asked her two simple questions. What was your favorite part of your time in Amami? Without hesitation, she smiled and answered: "Sailing the boat." Then I asked: What's your secret to living happily? Her answer was beautifully simple: Walk lots. Eat anything. Be interested in everything. During these ten unexpected days together, I watched Chiharu sail, sing, sketch, explore, laugh, make new friends, enjoy old ones, and embrace every day with curiosity. Ironically, the one thing she was disappointed to miss—because of the delayed return from Kikai Island—was our planned karaoke evening together. As we said goodbye, I smiled and said, "Karaoke next time." Over the coming weeks, I'll be writing a longer article reflecting on these ten days with Chiharu, what I learned, and how her way of living aligns with so many of the patterns I've observed while researching aging and longevity across Japan. For now, I simply want to say: Thank you, Chiharu and Mitsu, for allowing me to hangout with you. It`s been an honor. About this series What began as A Week with Chiharu unexpectedly became ten unforgettable days. Through ordinary moments shared with Chiharu and her son Mitsu, I've been exploring what everyday life in Japan can teach us about longevity, community, curiosity, and living well at every age. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/

Day 9... and our plans changed once again. 😊 Mechanical problems meant Chiharu and Mitsu stayed an extra day on Kikai Island, so our long-awaited karaoke evening will have to wait just a little longer. But no one seemed disappointed. The day began with Radio Taiso on the beach, followed by beachcombing, exploring caves, taking in magnificent hilltop views, meeting local people, and, of course, singing. One thing I've noticed about Chiharu is that she sings almost everywhere she goes. Walking. Driving. Exploring. She laughs easily, notices everything around her, and embraces each day with genuine curiosity. Tomorrow, if all goes to plan, we'll finally reunite for what will be another first—91-year-old Chiharu's first visit to a karaoke bar, where she'll also hear me attempt my very first Japanese song. About this series A Week with Chiharu follows 91-year-old Chiharu as she spends time with her son Mitsu and me in Amami and Kikai Islands. Through everyday moments—walking, travelling, singing, exploring, and simply enjoying life—I'm observing what Japan can teach us about longevity, community, curiosity, and growing older with enthusiasm. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #Longevity #JapanSolo #curiosity

A Week with Chiharu is a seven-day glimpse into the life of 91-year-old Chiharu as she spends time with her son Mitsu and me in Buren Bay, Japan. Through ordinary moments, sharing meals, singing, sailing, walking, and simply enjoying each day's adventures- I'm exploring what everyday life can teach us about aging well, community, and the art of growing older. Day 5 Today began, as most mornings do, with Radio Taiso and breakfast. Later we went beachcombing, read a little haiku, and as evening approached, experienced one of Japan's delightful summer moments—a yūdachi, a sudden late-afternoon rain shower. Rather than run for cover, Mitsu stood outside and enjoyed his unexpected shower while Chiharu looked on, smiling as she watched her son embracing the moment. What has stayed with me throughout this week is the obvious enjoyment a mother and son find in each other's company. Whether they're sailing, singing, sharing a meal, or laughing in the rain, there is a deep ease between them that feels increasingly rare—and increasingly worth noticing. Tomorrow... Day 6. About the series A Week with Chiharu follows one ordinary week in the life of 91-year-old Chiharu in Buren Bay, Japan. Rather than searching for dramatic secrets to longevity, the series pays attention to the everyday moments that shape a life well lived. #Longevity #Community #JapanSolo #HealthyAging #Japan #MotherAndSon

A Week with Chiharu is a seven-day glimpse into the life of 91-year-old Chiharu as she spends time with her son Mitsu and me in Buren Bay, Japan. Through ordinary moments—sharing meals, singing, sailing, walking, and simply enjoying each day's adventures—I'm exploring what everyday life can teach us about aging well, community, and the art of growing older. Day 4 The day began, as it often does, with sunrise, Radio Taiso, and breakfast. Today's special treat was locally grown passion fruit. After breakfast came haiku, before Chiharu headed off with her son Mitsu to enjoy lunch with friends and an afternoon of music and singing with singer Tomo-chan. Chiharu has a large appetite for life. She enjoys physical activity, but she's equally drawn to creativity, conversation, music, friendship, and good food. As I continue my research into Japan's longevity communities, I observe that aging well is about more than exercise or diet. It is remaining fully engaged with people, with place, and with life itself. Tomorrow... Day 5. About Lowell Sheppard Lowell Sheppard is Founder of Never Too Late Academy, Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). After living in Japan for nearly three decades, he is traveling the country researching longevity, community, and healthy aging, sharing observations from Japan that may help us all live well for longer. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/blog #Longevity #HealthyAging #Community #JapanSolo #Japan #ActiveAging #NeverTooLateAcademy

This was a special day. It started out with Radio Taiso again early morning then we rowed out to Wahine. It was only the second time I'd sailed with 91-year-old Chiharu. The first was back in April, when I owned and skippered Wahine. One of my favourite memories from that day was watching Chiharu at the helm. She absolutely loved it. Today was different. Wahine now belongs to her son, Mitsu, who plans to sail her from Japan to Mexico next year as part of his turtle research. Today was his first time skippering Wahine. He is an experienced sailor, but today his first taking responsibility for Wahine I came along as crew while Mitsu handled every aspect of the boat himself. It was a training sail and a pleasure to watch. Chirau was back at the helm again, smiling just as she had a few months earlier. By evening, we were back at Mitsu's house overlooking Buren Bay, where mother and son picked up their instruments and sang together once again. Some moments stay with you long after the day is over. This was one of them. Tomorrow... Day 4. A Week with Chiharu is a seven-day glimpse into the life of 91-year-old Chiharu as she spends time with her son Mitsu and me in Buren Bay, Japan. Through ordinary moments—sharing meals, singing, sailing, walking, and simply enjoying each day's adventures—I'm exploring what everyday life can teach us about aging well, community, and the art of growing older. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/blog #Longevity #Sailing #Japan #Community #HealthyAging #JapanSolo #ActiveAging .

This is Day 2 of spending a week with 91-year-old Chiharu in my little longevity laboratory here in Buren Bay, Japan. It's only the second time we've met. The first was a few months ago when I took her sailing aboard Wahine. Today, Wahine belongs to her son Mitsu, while I remain here continuing my research into longevity and the art of community. Today's highlights included: • Sunrise Radio Taiso • Breakfast together • Mitsu catching our supper • Haiku over lunch • Snorkeling in the bay • Supper together • A mountaintop sunset • Skateboarding • High fives What strikes me isn't just that Chiharu can still do these things at 91. It's that she wants to. She approaches each part of the day with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a readiness to join in. These are only small observations from everyday life, but they continue to shape the questions I'm asking about what it really means to age well. Tomorrow... Day 3. Read more at: https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/blog #Longevity #HealthyAging #Community #Japan #JapanSolo #AgingWell #ActiveAging

This week, Mitsu's 91-year-old mother, Chiharu, has joined us in Buren Bay. It's only the second time I've met her. The first was a few months ago when she came sailing with me aboard *Wahine*. Since then, Mitsu has become Wahine's owner and skipper, while I've remained here continuing my research into what it means to age well in this tiny island community. Day One After the long drive from the airport, we spent the evening sitting outside around an unlit campfire. It was simply too warm to light it. Chiharu picked up her ukulele, we sang together, shared a meal, and enjoyed one another's company. But what stayed with me wasn't the music. It was watching a 91-year-old mother and her adult son enjoying each other's company as genuine friends. I often think about the difference between a linear view of life and a circular one. In a linear world, older people gradually move to the edges. Here, Chiharu was neither being looked after nor simply being included. She was right at the center of the circle. Tomorrow: Radio Taiso at 6:30 a.m. PS Spending a week with Chiharu is something I've genuinely been looking forward to. She still lives independently, and over the coming days, you'll discover why she's become such an inspiration to me, from her music and morning routines to the way she relates to family, friends, and the community around her. These are simply small observations from everyday life. But perhaps it's in ordinary moments like these that we begin to understand why some people age so well. Please follow along on YT and Instagram for more short insights, and for a deeper dive, check out the blog at https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ or the Defying the Red Zone Substack https://japansolo.substack.com/ #AgingWell #Longevity #community

For nearly seven years, Wahine has been my home, my office, and my companion on an unforgettable journey around Japan. Now she is preparing for her next adventure. Next year, she'll cross the Pacific...without me. I'll explain more in the coming weeks as one chapter closes and another begins. Lowell Sheppard is an author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). He writes about longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. Learn more: https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ JapanSolo #Sailing #Pacific #Adventure #Wahine #Japan #NeverTooLate #Longevity #NewBeginnings #sailing

Life in a remote village rarely goes exactly as planned. Today brought two unexpected problems. One was solved by the kindness of an 80-year-old neighbor. The other simply required patience, perseverance, and getting my hands dirty. The longer I live in Japan's remote communities, the more I appreciate that healthy communities are not built on dependence or independence alone. They flourish where community and self-reliance go hand in hand. About Lowell Sheppard, author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. #JapanSolo #Community #VillageLife #Japan #HealthyAging #Longevity #SelfReliance #Amami #japan #villagelife #community

After a month away, I'm back in my tiny fishing village on Amami Oshima. Twenty-nine people. This has become my longevity laboratory and a base from which I am exploring one simple question: What helps people remain healthy, independent, and engaged well beyond the average healthy lifespan? The answers rarely come from laboratories. More often, they are found in ordinary people living ordinary lives extraordinarily well. About me: I'm Lowell Sheppard, author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. Learn more: https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #JapanSolo #Longevity #HealthyAging #Japan #Community #Amami #FieldNotes #Purpose #RuralJapan

Every few weeks, I pass through Narita. Not just the airport. The town. It has become part of my rhythm. Leaving Tokyo, I slow down before returning to my tiny village on Amami Oshima. Leaving the village, I gather momentum before heading back to Tokyo. I've learned that transitions matter. Sometimes we all need places that help us recalibrate before the next season begins. About me: I'm Lowell Sheppard, author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. Learn more: https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #JapanSolo #Japan #Narita #Mindset #Purpose #HealthyAging #TravelWithPurpose

A famous Japanese proverb says: "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down." Yet after years of travelling through Japan's remote communities and researching healthy aging, I've come to a different conclusion. The healthiest communities I've encountered are not those that suppress individuality. They're the ones that create space for it within a strong culture of belonging. I've explored this paradox more fully in my latest Japan Solo article on Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/japansolo/p/the-nail-that-sticks-out-gets-hammered I'd love to hear your thoughts. About me: I'm Lowell Sheppard, author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. Learn more: Never Too Late Academy https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #Japan #Community #Longevity #HealthyAging #JapaneseCulture #Leadership #Individuality #Belonging #JapanSolo #Purpose

Many people think ikigai means discovering a grand purpose.n reality, it is often much simpler. A reason to get up. A place to go. People who know your name. Watching Juichi in his eighties, I wonder if that is part of what we are really seeing. I’m Lowell Sheppard, 71, sailor, author, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. I’m the Founder of the Never Too Late Academy and Special Advisor to the International Forum. Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore aging, place, community, and longevity across Japan. https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #ikigai #Longevity #Community #HealthyAging #Japan #JapanSolo #Boxing #NeverTooLate #AgingWell #Curiosity #Purpose