Kanreki

Toshiiwai is a Japanese rite of passage celebrated at various ages to pray for long life. This tradition was brought to Japan from China, and originally was celebrated once every ten years beginning when one turned 40. Since the 16th century, toshiiwai has come to celebrate beginning when one turns 60 (Kanreki), and subsequently at ages 70 (koki), 80 (sanju), 88 (beiju), 90 (sotsujo), and 99 (hakuju). The Japanese characters in the kanreki literally mean "return" and "calendar." The traditional calendar, which was based on the Chinese calendar, was organized on 60-year cycles. The cycle of life returns to its starting point in 60 years, and as such, kanreki celebrates that point in a man's life when his personal calendar has returned to the calendar sign under which he was born. (This information was provided by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii)

So, being of Japanese decent and 60 years old, I view this trip as a beginning of a new adventure to a new life cycle.