“I was once just a Tokyo girl running the rat race, trading hours of my life for a stable living. But today, I‘m a different person, with short hairstyle and daily encounters with the green waves that lap the shores of Okinawa,” Chihiro.
In Tokyo, life sped by in a blur of neon lights and endless to-do lists, leaving little room for reflection or appreciation of the moment. Tokyo couldn't offer the peace I found myself seeking. This realization marked the beginning of my quest for a life that resonated more deeply with my inner rhythm, leading me to Okinawa.
Living by the sea in Okinawa has taught me simpler, yet profound lessons. Each wave reminds me to take life as it comes, to be flexible and not get upset over small problems. Here, nature is the best teacher. Watching the calm sea in the morning teaches me peace, and the stormy waves in the evening remind me that life is full of ups and downs, but every situation passes.
Teaching others to do SUP has become a way for me to share what I've learned here. Seeing newcomers fight their fear and stand up on their board for the first time is amazing. It shows me and them that we can do hard things if we don’t give up. This has become my way of giving back, by helping others find their courage in the waves.
I don't know if I will stay in Okinawa forever. But one thing is for sure - this place has changed me. It has taught me about living in the moment, being brave, and the beauty of leading a simple life. No matter where I go next, these lessons will stay with me, and I will always carry a piece of Okinawa in my heart.
