[Okinawa] Picture Book Author Rick Stanton Continues to Fulfill His Wish List

The "Things I Want to Do" list I made in my teens is the origin of everything.

What was your life like before moving to Okinawa?

When I was a teenager, I made a to-do list and wrote down everything I wanted to do at the time. However, I realized I lacked "money," "stamina," and "courage" to achieve that list.

So, in my 30s, I resolved to complete everything on my list and made a plan. I decided to immerse myself in business in my 20s, save money, and then start fulfilling my "things I want to do" list from my 30s onwards. As planned, I started a business through flea markets in my 20s and sold it at the age of 30. Then, I began "traveling the world," which was on my list of things I wanted to do.

What prompted you to move to Okinawa?

Since "I want to live on a tropical island" was on my to-do list, I traveled around New Zealand and Australia looking for a place to live in the Southern Hemisphere. And then, at the age of 32, I actually moved to the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

I had "I want to live on a tropical island" on my bucket list, so I traveled around New Zealand and Australia looking for a place to live in the Southern Hemisphere. And at the age of 32, I actually moved to the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

And then, as I was thinking about the next item I wanted to achieve, I noticed the item "Make my mother laugh." Around that time, my mother had been accumulating fatigue from caregiving, so I took her to Hawaii to make her smile. At that time, a business owner I met at a bar told me, "Okinawa is better than Hawaii." Hearing that, my mother said, "I want to go to Okinawa," which was the trigger for me to move to Okinawa with her. I was around 40 years old.

Since moving to Okinawa, I've been catching fish every day and treating everyone to it, just like now. I live a pirate-like life, eating delicious food and drinking with my friends, and talking all night long.

I want people who want to crush reality to come here.

Who would you like to come?

I'd like people who want to crush their current reality to come.

Personally, in the past, no matter what I tried to do, I was always told, "You absolutely can't do it!" I was often told things like, "Someone like you will never succeed anyway."

That's why I decided to prove them wrong by achieving results, silencing those who belittled me with a "punch called success."

What do you want people to feel when they experience Okinawa's natural beauty?

The activities are just a bonus; what's important is talking with adults who have actually experienced different places and situations.

I want you to feel, based on your own experiences, that "initially it's for yourself, but eventually it will be for others." And as you create your "things I want to do" list, I want you to remember once again what it was you truly wanted to do.

Actual travel conditions

Ric's Aqua Pazza with Pan-Seared Fish

This is what you could call a local friend's way of playing, with an *acquapazza* made from fish caught in the sea spreading out in front of the house. The broth from the fish and shellfish is absolutely delicious.

Nights spent conversing with locals and visitors alike

Depending on the timing, you might also find yourself toasting and drinking with other guests. There are locals, as well as people who travel from afar after hearing rumors about Rick.

Rick's prized secret base garage

An adult's secret hideaway filled with dreams. It's an exciting space featuring cars straight out of Lupin the Third, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and a bar counter.

Rick, a local friend who pursues what he wants to do in Okinawa

My thoughts after trying it

Due to time constraints, I had them arrange for a tour to start in the evening.

Next, I want to take time during the day to go on survival trekking in the "Yanbaru Forest," which was registered as a World Heritage site in 2021, and I also want to create a bucket list together.

During my conversation with Rick, his story from his time as a business owner, "Even with family, if you need to say something, you have to say it," really resonated with me.

For those visiting our local Okinawa friend, Rick, please proceed this way.

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