Leaving the Blue Zone, Heading North

The journey has begun—not with a sprint, but with a sail. Part of the Never Too Late Academy Longevity Project, Leg One took me from Okinawa, deep in Japan’s famed “Blue Zone,” and through the Ryukyu Islands aboard Wahine. It’s been a gentle, reflective passage through warm southern seas, stopping at islands where people live long, slow, intentional lives. It was great having a firend and first mate on board Ian Mcmullen. We finally made it to Uken Inlet, on Amami Island, where Wahine and I called home for the best part of a year. A deep inlet with kind people and many friends.

It wasn`t all smooth sailing. On one island, I stayed longer than intended because I contracted the Norovirus, so we were slowed down.

But the Cherry Blossoms wait for no one.

They’ve already begun to bloom far to the north—and so, I must make haste.

Leg Two will see me leave southern Kyushu for Shimane on the north coast of Honshu.  I`m leaving Wahine in the capable hands of friends on Amami Island. It’s where we spent several months, where my favorite dockside ladder in Japan lives, and where my friend Mitsu and others will care for her. She’s in good company—and I leave her with peace of mind.

Now, I set out overland, heading straight to Shimane Prefecture, where the cherry blossoms are full bloom.

Not only is Shimane alive with hanami gatherings and fleeting beauty—it also happens to be the 47th and final prefecture I have yet to visit in Japan. Another milestone. Another circle closed.

And it gets better.

While in Shimane, I’ll meet an 84-year-old man who still lives independently on a remote island in the Sea of Japan. He’s vibrant, active, and still deeply connected to daily life. I want to learn from him about resilience, aging, and what it takes to live well, not just long. I will be hosted by fellow never-too-laters Tyley and Julia, who now live in Shimane after sailing their boat across the Pacific Ocean last year to Japan.

Already on this journey, I’ve met people who’ve inspired me. Here in Amami, a 75-year-old man named Izumi told me his secret: “Gardening. Every day. Just a little.” I would add to that `smiling`. Izumi seems to have a forever smile and twinkle in his eye.

From Shimane, I’ll continue my journey north—by—land, by foot, by ferry, and whenever I can, by sail.

This isn’t just about chasing blossoms; it’s about gathering stories and gaining insights.

It’s about discovering how the Japanese live long and how we all might learn to live well.