The Moai Thread: From Easter Island to Japan #travel #japan #longevity
Still away from my boat, I’m in Shibuya, Tokyo, standing beside the iconic Moyai statue, a gift from Niijima Island. Years ago, I sailed there by chance and found these statues all across the island—modern interpretations of the Moai of Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
What’s fascinating is how three very different “moai” traditions share a common heartbeat:
community, protection, and social connection.
—- Rapa Nui Moai (Easter Island)
The original monoliths honored ancestors, believed to watch over and protect communities. Their creation required enormous collective effort — a symbol of shared purpose.
—– Niijima Moyai (Tokyo / Niijima Island)
Inspired by Easter Island, these statues also play on Japanese word meanings:
moyai = to moor a boat
moyai = to gather / work together
They embody community and coming together.
—– Okinawa Moai (Social Circles)
In Okinawa, moai are lifelong social groups — mutual support networks sharing resources, friendship, and emotional care. Scholars say they help prevent kodokushi — lonely death, especially among elders.
It’s no wonder Okinawa is a global longevity hotspot.
Community is not an accessory, it’s a survival skill.
These layers of meaning inspired my new book,
Longevity and the Art of Community: Lessons from Japan.
From Easter Island to Niijima to Okinawa, the message is the same:
We live longer when we live together.
Pretty cool, eh?
See you next time. Back to the Boat soon.
#Moai #Moyai #Tokyo #Shibuya #Okinawa #Community #Longevity #BlueZones #JapanCulture #EasterIsland #Niijima #Kodokushi #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate
Still away from my boat, I’m in Shibuya, Tokyo, standing beside the iconic Moyai statue, a gift from Niijima Island. Years ago, I sailed there by chance and found these statues all across the island—modern interpretations of the Moai of Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
What’s fascinating is how three very different “moai” traditions share a common heartbeat:
community, protection, and social connection.
---- Rapa Nui Moai (Easter Island)
The original monoliths honored ancestors, believed to watch over and protect communities. Their creation required enormous collective effort — a symbol of shared purpose.
----- Niijima Moyai (Tokyo / Niijima Island)
Inspired by Easter Island, these statues also play on Japanese word meanings:
moyai = to moor a boat
moyai = to gather / work together
They embody community and coming together.
----- Okinawa Moai (Social Circles)
In Okinawa, moai are lifelong social groups — mutual support networks sharing resources, friendship, and emotional care. Scholars say they help prevent kodokushi — lonely death, especially among elders.
It’s no wonder Okinawa is a global longevity hotspot.
Community is not an accessory, it’s a survival skill.
These layers of meaning inspired my new book,
Longevity and the Art of Community: Lessons from Japan.
From Easter Island to Niijima to Okinawa, the message is the same:
We live longer when we live together.
Pretty cool, eh?
See you next time. Back to the Boat soon.
#Moai #Moyai #Tokyo #Shibuya #Okinawa #Community #Longevity #BlueZones #JapanCulture #EasterIsland #Niijima #Kodokushi #HealthyAging #NeverTooLate
The Moai Thread: From Easter Island to Japan #travel #japan #longevity Locations
- Shibuya (35.6619707,139.703795)
Pacific Solo
Hi, I`m Lowell, a 67-year-old rookie sailor, and a never-too-later! I preparing myself for the biggest challenge of my life: a solo journey across the North Pacific. I am a Canadian living in Japan, and in 2019, I purchased Wahine, a 1988 Gib Sea 402. I moved on board while she was moored in Tokyo. In March 2021, I terminated my contract with the Marina and have been cruising Japan full time since gaining valuable experience all the while working remotely from the boat. Wahine is my home, my studio, and my lab. Join me on my learning voyage around Japan, trying to prepare myself for Pacific Solo. If you want to see where I am please go to my website and click on the Where`s Wahine Button at https://www.pacificsolo.com Also, if you are a fellow never-too-later check out www.nevertoolateacademy.com PSThe History Channel asked if they follow me into various remote ports for a new series called Dare to Dream. The pilot airs in Japan July 24th at 8pm.
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Still away from my boat, I’m in Shibuya, Tokyo, standing beside the iconic Moyai statue, a gift from Niijima Island. Years ago, I sailed there by chance and found these statues all across the island—modern interpretations of the Moai of Easter Island ...
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