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

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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

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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 .

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