Carpe Diem — Seizing the Day at 60
A warm, nostalgic photo of a vintage display shelf filled with teacups and collectibles, illustrating John’s story about living in Japan and embracing a slower, more meaningful life at 60.
As I approach my 60th birthday this December, I’ve been reflecting on the path that brought me here—and on how I want to spend the next chapter of my life. I don’t think I’ll ever truly retire, but I do plan to slow down a little and spend more time enjoying the passions that have always guided me.
From a very young age, I loved Japan. I told my family when I was just four years old, “Someday I’m going to live and work in Japan.” That childhood dream came true—and even after all these years, Japan still fascinates me every day.
History has also been one of my lifelong loves. It was my favorite subject in school and nearly became my major in university. In the end, I chose to study languages, but my passion for history never left me. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been drawn to antiques—the stories they carry, the history they preserve, and the glimpse they offer into lives long past.
I’ve also always believed deeply in the value of small businesses. For over 20 years, I owned a clock repair shop back in Alaska. I’ve always preferred to support family-owned “mom and pop” stores rather than large corporations. To me, these small shops are the heart and soul of communities—whether in small towns or big cities, they give life and warmth to the places we call home.
Now, at 60, I want to focus on the things that bring me joy: Japanese culture, antiques, and helping others succeed through English. I’ll continue teaching because I truly love helping people reach their goals. But I’ll also begin sharing a bit of my passion for antiques and collectibles right here on my school site through Kamui Vintage.
I’ve never been a believer in the word “someday.” Instead, I live by the phrase “carpe diem,” which comes from the Roman poet Horace and means “seize the day.” It’s a reminder to make the most of the present moment, because the future is uncertain. The world has become a dangerous and unpredictable place, and I don’t want to look back someday wishing I had done more while I still could.
Owning a physical antique shop in Japan may not be practical now—especially as a foreigner and at this stage of life—but that doesn’t mean the dream has to disappear. My wife, who is the more cautious one between us, prefers we take fewer risks, and I respect that. After all, we don’t have a retirement fund waiting for us, so every step must be thoughtful.
Still, I believe that nothing is impossible. My time in the United States Army taught me that every obstacle is simply a task waiting to be overcome. And while I may not open a shop on the street, I can still live my dream in a smaller way—by offering antiques and collectibles for sale online.
If this small endeavor helps us pay for life’s necessities—rent, food, medicine, and maybe even a few small adventures—then I’ll consider it a success. My greatest hope is that it will also allow me to do something special for my wife: send her to Chiba Prefecture to visit our daughter and spend time with our grandchildren. She’s a gentle, caring woman, and seeing her happy would mean the world to me.
So, as I turn 60, I choose to live by carpe diem—to seize each day with gratitude, curiosity, and purpose.
If you’d like to see what I’ve been collecting and curating lately, please visit Kamui Vintage. You might just find something special that speaks to you.
