Tom Brady spent 20 years racing from stadium to stadium, chasing perfection every Sunday. Now that he’s retired from the NFL, the seven-time Super Bowl champion is traveling with a completely different mission — making memories with his children that will last a lifetime.
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What Did Brady’s Japan Trip Teach Him About Purpose?
The former quarterback recently opened up about a life-changing trip to Japan that affected him in ways he never expected. It wasn’t about the food or the scenery that so many like to point out on their own vacations. Rather, it was about the time he spent there with his kids.
“I went recently with my kids, and it was unforgettable,” Brady shared with Travel + Leisure. “The culture there is just so rich and thoughtful, everything from the way people treat each other to how traditions are honored.”
This trip gave Brady something his playing career never could: the chance to slow down and see the world through fresh eyes. During his NFL days, travel meant one thing — business trips. meetings, flights, hotels, and stadiums. There was never time to truly absorb what was happening around him.
Now, Brady approaches travel with a different mindset. He’s looking for experiences that matter, moments that teach, and opportunities to connect with his children on a deeper level.
I just got back from Japan, and wrote about some of my trip in 199 this week. Sign up for free and check it out. https://t.co/fpOJrxvPVN pic.twitter.com/xdqlIC7a7p
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 16, 2025
The concept that hit Brady hardest was something called ikigai.
“There’s this amazing concept I learned about called ikigai, which basically means your ‘reason for being,’” he said. “That really stuck with me… it made me think a lot about purpose and what truly brings meaning to life. Experiencing that with my kids, and seeing it all through their eyes, made the whole trip even more powerful.”
How Is Brady Balancing Fatherhood With His Post-NFL Career?
Brady and his children could have been just another tourist and try his best to blend in with the crowd. Instead, they immersed themselves and became students of a culture built on respect, balance, and being present in the moment. From watching sumo wrestlers train up close to exploring quiet neighborhoods and ancient shrines, every experience became a learning opportunity
That approach reflects Brady’s new philosophy as a father. “As a dad, I want to give my kids more than just fun trips,” he said. “I want them to see the world, to understand how other people live, to ask questions, to grow.”
Brady’s football career may be over, but his drive remains the same. The difference now is what he’s chasing. Instead of championships and records, he’s focused on meaningful moments and quality time with the people who matter most.
Meanwhile, Brady hasn’t completely stepped away from football. He’s still involved in the sport, appearing at events like FanFest and working as an NFL game analyst for Fox Sports. But these commitments take a backseat to his role as a father.
“This part of my life,” he says, “is about being present. It’s about making memories, not headlines. And honestly, I’ve never felt more fulfilled.”
AloJapan.com