The Art of Living Fully: A Father-Son Adventure in Japan

Written by: Brad Pedersen

A few weeks ago, my son and I returned from an unforgettable trip to Japan. It wasn’t my first time visiting the country—I had been there before for work—but this time was different. This trip wasn’t about business or deal making. It was about something far more important: investing intentionally in time together to create magic memories .

I planned this trip as a gift to my son in celebration of his recent engagement, but more than that, it was an opportunity for us to have some father & son one on one time.  Our shared love for skiing made Japan’s legendary Japow—some of the best powder snow in the world—the perfect setting for this experience. We were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived there were several consecutive days where the epic light, dry snow just kept falling.

However, beyond the incredible skiing, we wanted something deeper. Instead of following the well-trodden paths of most tourists, we sought out more remote locations, staying in places that were rich in culture and authenticity. The result? A week so full of adventure, learning, and connection that by the time we returned home, it felt as if we had been away for a month.

Discovering Yutori: The Power of Slowing Down

While I was in Japan, I sent a text to my friend Jaclyn, telling her about my trip with my son and how we were having the most incredible time together. In response, she introduced me to one of her favorite Japanese words—a word I had never heard before: Yutori.

Yutori is the conscious act of slowing down to savor the world around you. It’s about being fully present—breathing deeply, appreciating life’s beauty, and making space to reflect.

As I look back on our trip, I realize Yutori is exactly how we lived during that week. Instead of packing our schedule with as much as possible, we allowed ourselves to fully experience the opportunities found in each moment of each day. We felt the crisp mountain air, soaked up the warmth of the onsen’s, took our time to enjoy every meal, learned to speak a few Japanese phrases and immersed ourselves in the traditions and customs of Japan.

This mindset shift transformed our time there. Rather than racing from one activity to the next, we embraced stillness, allowing the experience to unfold naturally.

Why Time Feels Faster as We Age—And How to Slow It Down

I’ve previously written about the idea of dense memories—the reason why time seems to speed up as we get older.

When we’re young, life is full of new experiences which is why summers often seem to last forever. It is because our brains are constantly engaged, processing fresh information. But as we age, we fall into rituals and routines. Days blur together, and time accelerates, seemingly  slipping through our fingers.

Our Japanese adventure was filled with newness and as a result full of dense memories. Nothing about it was routine. The landscapes were breathtaking, the culture was fascinating, and the skiing was unlike anything we had ever experienced. Our senses were overwhelmed in the best way possible, forcing our minds to be fully engaged, making the experience feel as if time were standing still. 

It was a powerful reminder that life isn’t measured by the number of days we live, but by how we grow, how we love, and how we are loved in return. With that in mind, the true measure of our lives will be found in the depth and quality of the experiences we create with those who matter most.

Not All Time in Life is Equal

Life is both short and long—a paradox worth contemplating.

On one hand, time is our most precious resource. Once it’s spent, we can never get it back. That’s why every day is an opportunity to invest our time wisely versus spending it foolishly.

On the other hand, life is long enough that we can have it all—just not all at once.

Each season of life comes with different priorities. In your 20s, travel might mean backpacking through hostels. In your 50s, like me, it might mean thoughtfully curated experiences with family. The key is aligning our resources with where we are in life right now and making decisions that enrich each stage of the journey.

The Art of Memory Making

A life well lived, requires both science and art. The science of achievement is pervasive, with countless “hustle and grind” experts offering step-by-step programs for helping you achieve personal, financial and material outcomes.

As I move through this season of my life, I find myself drawn to deepening my discovery around the art of fulfillment—the ability to slow down, be intentional, and fully immerse myself in meaningful experiences.

This is where the word Yutori has such incredible meaning. You see, by practicing Yutori it has not only allowed me to fully appreciate and savor the journey but to also create dense memories.  Moments so rich and vivid that they seem to stretch time itself.

And that’s exactly what we did in preparing for this trip to Japan. The result?  The most meaningful one-on-one experience with my son to date.  What made it truly special wasn’t just the breathtaking setting or the incredible skiing. It was who we were in that moment—fully present, deeply connected, and completely engaged–usually over a bowl of Ramen noodles!

Bringing Yutori Into Everyday Life

The real challenge now is this: How do we bring the spirit of Yutori into our daily lives?  How do we slow down in a world that constantly demands more?  How do we invest in time the same way we invest in business—thoughtfully, intentionally, and with purpose?

If you are a business owner and a parent who is currently focused on building an empire and accumulating financial resources, I would urge you to stop and ask yourself this question: If you could leave to your kids all of your money or all the experiences what would you rather leave?

My hope for you is this:

That you choose to be intentional with your time.

That you don't confuse activity for what is most important to accomplish in life.

That you embrace Yutori and focus not just on making a living, but on making a life.

Because in the end, the best measure of wealth is not what you have—it’s what you’ve experienced with those you love.

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