Okay, let’s dive into it. Today, I want to share my experience with something I’m calling “Japan 60”. It might sound a bit strange, but trust me, there’s a story here. So, I’ve always been fascinated by Japan, not just the anime and sushi, but the whole culture. You know, the mix of the old and new, the temples, and the crazy tech. The 60 part? Well, that came up because I stumbled upon this concept of “Kanreki.”

Apparently, in Japan, turning 60 is a big deal. It’s like, you’ve gone through this whole life cycle thing based on the Chinese zodiac, which is pretty cool. And 60, it’s not like being “old” old, It’s more about a new beginning. I thought, “Hey, that sounds interesting, let’s see what this is all about.”
I started digging around, reading articles, watching videos, you name it. I learned that in the 1960s, Japan was going through this boom, economically and politically. The Liberal Democratic Party was in power, and everything was growing like crazy. But, I was more interested in this “Kanreki” idea. It’s like, you hit 60, and it’s a whole celebration of life, a chance to start fresh, kind of.
- Start with Curiosity: I got curious about Japan and its traditions.
- Discover “Kanreki”: Found out that 60 years old is a significant milestone.
- Research: Read articles and watched videos about Japan in the 1960s and “Kanreki.”
So, I decided to do a little experiment, my own version of “Japan 60.” I made a list of things I wanted to do, inspired by Japanese culture and this whole “new beginning” concept. It wasn’t about pretending I was 60 or anything. It was more like, embracing change and trying new stuff, the way I imagined someone might do at a milestone like that.
My “Japan 60” Experiment
- Learn Something New: I started learning basic Japanese phrases. It wasn’t easy, but it was fun. I even tried my hand at calligraphy, which was a total mess at first, but I got better.
- Embrace Simplicity: I tried to simplify my life a bit, declutter my apartment, and appreciate the little things more. I started a small journal, writing down things I was grateful for every day.
- Connect with Nature: I started going for walks in a nearby park, just enjoying the scenery, the trees, the birds. It was peaceful, and it gave me time to think.
- Try New Foods: I cooked some Japanese dishes at home, some were good, and some were, well, not so good. But it was an adventure.
It’s been a few weeks now, and I have to say, it’s been quite an experience. It’s not like my life has completely changed overnight or anything. But I feel like I’ve learned a lot, not just about Japan but about myself too. I’m more open to trying new things, I appreciate the simple things in life more, and I’m a bit more patient with myself.
This whole “Japan 60” thing, it’s more than just a number or a concept. It’s about embracing change, celebrating life, and finding new beginnings, no matter your age. It was fun, it was challenging, and I’m glad I did it. I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m excited to see where this new perspective takes me next. And I feel like I have grown a lot during this short period of time.

So yeah, that’s my “Japan 60” story. It might not be for everyone, but I think there’s something in it for anyone willing to give it a try. It’s about finding your own way to celebrate life and embrace change. And who knows, you might discover something new about yourself along the way.