Japan’s Morning Longevity Hack #gateball #pickleball #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