In Japan, the art of community isn’t just practiced — it’s spoken. Words ending in -kai mean a gathering with purpose — turning intention into habit. From the 90-year-old “Granny of the Fields” in Aichi, to the 84-year-old café owner on Ama Island, to the elders of Okinawa — when asked their secret to a long, happy life, they all say the same: “I don’t worry.” If stress kills, then belonging heals. This kai is Undōkai — Sports Day — in the small inlet of Ukenson, Amami Island, where every generation dances together in one joyful circle. #LongevityAndTheArtOfCommunity #Japan #Undokai #AmamiIsland #NeverTooLate #BlueZoneJapan #Longevity #Community #Belonging #HealthyLongevity #AgingWell

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On my third research journey up the length of Japan, I’ve returned to Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture — the region that’s ranked number one in Japan for twelve consecutive years for the number of centenarians per 100,000 people. Just 48 hours ago, I left my boat in Amami, flew to Tokyo to surprise my son on his birthday, and then took two long trains to reach Shimane, where I’ll be spending the week writing, soaking up the atmosphere, and conducting more interviews for my upcoming book on longevity and community in Japan. A longer video is coming soon with updates from the past few months — including some sailing adventures — but for now, here’s a glimpse of where the next chapter of this journey unfolds. Remember, it’s never too late to get out and about.

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Good morning from the moat of Matsue Castle, where turtles bask, cherry trees sway, and history lingers in the quiet corners. I’ve just visited the former home of Lafcadio Hearn, the beloved storyteller who helped introduce Japan to the Western world in the late 19th century. Hearn was a foreigner here—just like me—and yet he was deeply embraced, not because of status or novelty, but because of his cultural curiosity and willingness to listen. His legacy reminds us that belonging in another culture begins with humility and respect. I understand why some people in Japan are experiencing a rise in discomfort around tourism—crowded streets, noise, and frayed public manners. Even I get irritated when people cut in line or talk loudly on trains. Yet in my own experience, I’ve rarely felt hostility. When foreigners arrive with sensitivity, Japan almost always responds with warmth. My personal connection to Hearn reaches across time—years ago, his great-nephew rented my house in Vancouver after I moved to Japan. Now, back in Matsue, I’m heading out to see the turtles, symbols of longevity—another thread in this journey. See you on the water. #Japan #LafcadioHearn #Matsue #MatsueCastle #ForeignersInJapan #Longevity #JapanTravel #CulturalExchange #TravelVlog #JapanCulture #BlueZonesJapan #SustainableTravel #SlowTravel #Storytelling #HistoryJapan

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