I Went To The Island Where People Live Over 100—Here’s the Secret (Okinawa, Japan)
Okinawa, Japan is a place of beauty, peace, and longevity. Known as one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” it’s home to some of the healthiest and longest-living people on Earth. But what’s the secret to their incredible vitality?
In this episode, we dive deep into the Okinawan lifestyle, exploring the island’s stunning landscapes, its rich culture, and the daily habits that help locals live to 100 and beyond. From the Yambaru Forest to the tranquil coffee farms, we’ll uncover how nature, hard work, and community contribute to Okinawa’s longevity.
Join us as we explore Okinawa’s way of life—where patience, purpose, and connection are key. Discover how this island, home to karate and resilient spirit, teaches us valuable lessons about health, happiness, and finding meaning in our everyday lives.
xo
elle
00:00- Introduction: Okinawa, Japan – The Secret to Longevity
00:14- What is a Blue Zone?
00:44- My Okinawan Heritage
01:06- Okinawan VS. Japanese Culture
01:25- Where Is Okinawa?
01:44- Hello Kitty Train & Pikachu Jet Skymark Airlines
02:03: The Yambaru Forest: Nature’s Role in Longevity
03:05- Work in Okinawa/ Coffee Farms & Agricultural Practices
03:46- The Art Of Balance
04:40- Oriental Hotel Okinawa (Accomodations)
05:27- Okinawan Diet: Food in Moderation for Long Life
06:33- Patience, Purpose, and Resilience: The Okinawan Mindset
06:53- American Influence & US Military Presence in Okinawa
07:34- Moai. Okinawan Community & Social Connections
08:02- Centenarians (People Who Live Until 100)
08:11- Ikigai. What is Your Reason To Live? Finding Your Purpose.
09:58- Sharing My Ikigai & Personal Story.
10:43- Masterclass In Tokyo
11:13- Finding Meaning and Longevity in Connection.
11:42- Do you Know What YOUR Gift Is?
12:32- Conclusion: Finding Purpose Everyday
40 Comments
I hope you all enjoy! This trip was one of the true joys of our life and we genuinely hppe everyone gets value and learns something from the Okinawan people! What is your Ikigai? Let us Know! 🙂
First!!!! ❤
I wish I could’ve been in your theater class at the end. Do you ever give any in the United States? Also, this was really interesting. I loved learning about this cultures longevity. ❤
Fascinating 🤩🤩🤩
That’s really interesting about their diet! Food has to play a major role and why they live so long. I know all of the other factors are really important as well but as they say, you are what you eat.
As good as a Netflix documentary. I even saw the piece on Okinawa that was on Netflix that you guys referenced and yours was equally as good if not better.
Elle, This was INSPIRING! My Ikigai is my kids! I love for them. I can not wait to show them this video later.
I’m blown away. Not just by the Okinawan people, but by this video. My iki-gai is walking. I know that sounds a bit basic but, I walk and exercise about three hours every day.
This is amazing! I love your videos so much
My Ikigai is watching your videos. I get so happy when I see a new drop. 🇯🇵
I am so intrigued by these blue zones. You covered it really nicely.
Your most interesting video ever! I loved the theatre class!! Those Japanese heathers are amazing. 😻
I’m gonna be honest, you do not look Okinawan at all. That said, I loved learning about your culture.
I can’t stop crying… Tears of Joy! I’m so proud of you!! Josh speaking was just so beautiful, seeing your eyes shine teaching those girls the Gift, and of course the connection of you and me!! I’m so honored you visited Okinawa because that’s where my heart created YOU!!
My Ikigai is seeing happiness in my children’s eyes! You expressed this frame of mind so beautifully and informative in this video! You bring people into your world and make them want to feel how you feel visiting there!!
Can I tell you how long away I am by this video. One of the best YouTube videos I think I have ever seen. And I’m not just saying that.
My Ikigai is the simple joy of reading a great novel.
My iki guy is performing. Your advice at the end was so perfect and just what I needed to hear today. I had the worst week ever and another rejection. I won’t go into it, but I just wanted to say thank you.
For me it is musical theater. I love performing even if I’m not that great at it yet. I’m still finding my “gift” but I will always love at least to be a part of theater
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My Ikigai is destroying America, but Donald trump wont allow it. Great vid.
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Thank you to everybody who takes the time to watch! Elle and I worked hard on this Japan series, and I hope ever everybody who gets the chance to watch discovers their ikigai! 😀🇯🇵🏝️
Elle your intro is OFF the charts!!!! 💯
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Okinawa is one of the most unique and amazing places I have ever been. I hope everybody gets the chance to go at least once in their life.
Very nice place 😂
Beer, Coffee? Iki Gai? Wonderful stuff!
That speech at the end actually made me tear up. Thanks for all your great content, Elle!
I hope you all had fun! Also elle, your littearly so kind and I'm so happy I found your channel <3
I cried. I laughed. I watched again.
BRO THIS IS SO SICK I have adhd and I actually watch this entire video and when you were teaching them I was so jealous and also happy for them
Your voice is so soothing
My dream is to be on Broadway and your advice to those kids really made me tear up. My ikigai is performing but I still am so shy 😢
Also please answer. Would you ever be Galinda in wicked?
Elle, I just ran my first 3 mile run in October! And I am going to do two more next month! I was actually way ahead of a lot of people which I was not expecting to be! Wish me good luck on my next two runs! And I hope jt is not freezing! I love you!❤❤
Blown away is an UNDERSTATEMENT! This is investigative journalism at its finest Ellie!
I have always wanted to go to okinawa. This and your Miyako video are making me seriously consider going. I would love to learn more about this culture and really dig in just like you did. Thank you!
Also my Ikigai is international travel.
Fantastic production, and thank you for helping us find our ikigai.