“Freedom of Time and Money” 100 Bucket List Items to Achieve in 2025

The time of year has come again to check off my bucket list. It feels strange every time, but for some reason, when I write things down, my dreams come true. Even though I really only wrote them down...

Here is the check-off from last year
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1. Why I make a bucket list every year

Why do I make a bucket list?
At the end of the year, I always make a bucket list. This isn't just a “to-do list”; it's an important time to organize my dreams and goals and make them visible. When you're caught up in daily life, it's surprisingly easy to lose sight of what you “really want to do.” But by putting it into a list, I can reconfirm my feelings and add a little excitement to my daily routine.
Also, when I write down everything I want to do, both small goals like “I can probably do this!” and big dreams like “I definitely want to do this someday!” naturally become visible. When I achieve something, it gives me positive energy to “try the next thing too,” so it has become an indispensable habit every year.
At first, I used to make it at the beginning of the new year, but I started thinking about it at the end of the year to check off the previous year and get a head start as soon as the new year begins.

Looking back at the last two years
I started writing my bucket list on this note in 2023.
This is really fun!
For example, for the goal of “going to fireworks festivals in various places” that I wrote on my 2023 list, I went on a whirlwind day trip to Akagawa and went to see the Shinmei fireworks, among other places. They were such wonderful fireworks that they still remain in my heart, and I reaffirmed, “This is why I can't stop traveling and taking photos!”

In 2024, I wrote that I would increase my blog PV, but I also “achieved 1000 followers on note.” It’s not just that the number of followers increased, but I’m also happy that I was able to interact with my readers. On the other hand, big goals like “photographing the aurora” haven't been achieved yet and have been carried over to the next year. But I can think of this positively as having more things to look forward to next year.

Every time I make a list, it's interesting to see my own changes, like “Oh, I'm interested in this this year” or “I was like this last year, but I'm thinking like this now.” I think both the things I've achieved and the things still to come are important steps for me.

2. The overall theme for the 2025 bucket list

I decided on one big theme for the 2025 bucket list. It is “freedom” and “abundance.” The “freedom” here means aiming for a lifestyle that is not bound by time or money. And “abundance” means not just material things, but also peace of mind and connections with people around me.

Goals I am particularly focusing on
Based on that theme, here are some of the goals I want to focus on this year:
(1) Live a life not bound by time or money
This is the goal I want to cherish most this year. I don't want to just be chased by work and life; I want to spend more time on things I like and am interested in. To that end, the challenge is to increase my income sources and find ways to work more efficiently. I believe that if this is realized, I can live a freer life.
( 2) Start my own business
This year, I want to work in earnest on “work for myself.” Specifically, I am planning to use my experience so far to develop easy smartphone photography lessons online. I am currently in the stage of creating a business plan and roadmap, but if this is realized, I will be happy not only to be able to do what I love as a job, but also to be useful to someone.
(3) Create results that overflow with smiles
This is also one of my important goals. Through photos, articles, and videos, I want to create things that make people think “How wonderful!” when they see them. It is the greatest joy as a creator to have my work lead to someone's happiness or smile.
(4) Maintain a healthy lifestyle
I believe that health is the foundation for realizing “freedom” and “abundance.” I am trying to ensure I get enough sleep, consciously eat vegetables in my daily meals, and balance my mind and body through yoga and exercise. This year, I want to tune not only my body but also my mind.
(5) Realize photography trips both domestically and internationally
This is a goal I can't miss as a photography lover! Especially this year, I am planning trips to Taiwan, Nagasaki Bio Park, and zoos and aquariums in Japan. Through the photos I take in these places, I want to not only improve my skills but also create works that can share the excitement.

The 2025 bucket list is built not just on “things I want to do,” but on aiming for “a way of life that is true to myself and can make the people around me a little happier.” I want to keep this theme in mind and run through the year while enjoying it!

3. Categorizing the list

Since the 2025 bucket list has 100 items, I have categorized them to make them a little easier to understand. Organizing goals by category makes it clearer what direction I am trying to head in.

(1) Lifestyle and Work Style
• 1 Live a life not bound by time or money
• 2 Earn enough income from multiple sources to do what I want
• 5 Start my own business
• 32 Maintain a healthy body that doesn't cost money
• 33 Ensure enough sleep time

In this category, the theme is “freedom and stability.” The goal is to create a foundation where I can live more easily, yet with a sense of fulfillment, by creating new income sources and maintaining my health.

(2) Photography and Creative Activities
• 8 Improve my use of strobe lights
• 7Take photos that are useful to someone
• 11Go on photography trips domestically or internationally
• 56 59 Photograph the aurora or the Milky Way
• 15 17 Conquer zoos and aquariums

Items related to photography occupy a large part of my bucket list. This year, I want to learn new techniques and capture even more excitement in my photos through my travels.

(3) Human Connections
• 12 Find companions to travel with
• 25 26Increase interaction with readers and followers
• 30 Make friends of different nationalities
• 29 Cherish time with friends
• 28 Express gratitude

Deepening human connections is also a major theme for 2025. I aim for a richer life through companions with whom I can share joy and through new encounters.

(4) Learning and Skill Up
• 4Write a novel on Kakuyomu
• 37 38Master generative AI and design tools
• 34 Master new yoga poses
• 73Acquire drone piloting skills
• 35 Increase the genres of videos I excel at

Taking on challenges and learning. By keeping these two things in mind, I want to make this a year where I acquire new skills and knowledge.

(5) Travel and Adventure
• 13 Film while eating delicious food in Taiwan
• 48 Ride a hot air balloon in Cappadocia (a rematch)
• 60 50Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Sahara Desert
• 43 Tour World Heritage sites
• 22 76Enjoy a luxury train or helicopter trip

The travel section is pure dreams and adventure. Since these trips will also become themes for photos and articles, they are a pleasure that combines both work and hobbies.

(6) Enriching Daily Life
• 88 Rearrange my room
• 87 Execute a decluttering session
• 84 Increase my cooking repertoire
• 67 Find a favorite local spot
• 89 Host a home party

I aim to find ways to make my daily life even a little more enjoyable and comfortable. I want to cherish the accumulation of these small goals as well.

(7) Enjoying Culture and Hobbies
• 98 Watch a movie at the cinema every month
• 99 Go to see Kabuki regularly
• 19 Photograph lantern festivals and fireworks displays
• 91 Expand my kalimba repertoire
• 100 Go to see Rakugo

Time spent engaging with culture and hobbies is a precious moment that refreshes me. This is also something I want to cherish in my life.

Looking at it broken down like this, I realize once again that there are so many things I want to do. It is also fun to feel how each goal is connected little by little. Looking at this list, I am excited about what kind of year this will be!

Next, I will pick up and delve deeper into some of the goals I want to focus on in particular.

4. Goals I want to focus on in particular

Among the bucket list items, I will pick up some goals I want to put extra effort into this year and delve into each one. These are the goals I "absolutely want to achieve!"

(1) Live a life not bound by time or money
This is one of the big themes for this year. To live freely, the first step is to stabilize my income. I want to create a system that utilizes my experience to have multiple sources of income.
Specifically, I am moving forward with a plan to develop smartphone photography lessons online. Through these lessons, I aim to provide content that gives photography beginners the confidence to say, "I can take photos like this too!" and monetize it. I also plan to create a system to earn income through writing and social media activities.
Ultimately, my goal is to be able to work at my own pace, without being tied to a specific place or time.

(2) Create deliverables that overflow with smiles
Photography, writing, and video are all important means of expression for me. This year, I want to use these to create works that make people smile when they see them. For example, photos of animals taken at zoos and aquariums have the power to bring healing to those who view them.
Furthermore, through posts on note and social media, I aim to share content that adds a little bit of joy to someone's daily life. Behind this goal is the desire to experience more of the joy of knowing that "my work is useful to someone."

(3) Write a novel on a novel submission site
Actually, one of the dreams I have been keeping in my heart for a long time is "writing a novel." I want to make this the year I realize that.
I am still considering the genre and theme I want to write about, but I intend to start with short stories first. By using a platform called Kakuyomu, I can not only gain a place where people can read my work, but also receive feedback from readers. This seems like it will be the motivation for a new challenge.

In fact, as a precursor to that, I have decided to join an online school to learn about storytelling.

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(4) Go to Taiwan and enjoy taking photos while eating delicious food
As a travel lover, this is one of the highlight goals for this year! Taiwan has a lot of delicious food and wonderful streetscapes. I am especially looking forward to experiencing the vibrancy of the night markets, the colorful buildings, and the warmth of the local people.
I also want to make this a trip that leads to improving my photography skills. I would be happy if I could share the joy of travel by photographing the unique scenery and culture of Taiwan and posting it on social media and my blog.

(5) Realize a photography trip domestically or internationally once a month
The goal of "traveling every month to take photos" is the ultimate challenge for me as a camera enthusiast. I plan to photograph the nature and tourist spots of the four seasons domestically, and the unique culture and scenery internationally.
For example, there are many places where I have concrete plans, such as the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, the Huis Ten Bosch fireworks display, and even shooting at the Tottori Sand Dunes. By achieving these, I want to polish not only my photography skills but also my ability to enjoy the journey itself.

These goals are all big dreams, but I believe that I can get closer to them by taking action little by little. When I look back a year from now, I want to move forward step by step so that I can think, "I'm glad I did this!" Next, I will touch on the fun and difficulty of the challenge itself!

5. The fun and difficulty of the challenge

The fun of the challenge
The greatest joy of a challenge is being able to feel the moment your potential expands. This year's bucket list includes challenges to new things such as "starting my own business" and "writing a novel on Kakuyomu," and there is so much to learn and discover for the first time while pursuing these.
When you start something new, there is an excitement like exploring an unknown world. Also, as you continue to challenge yourself, there are moments when you think, "Maybe I can actually do this?" and the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment leads to the next motivation.
Also, when challenging yourself with things you love, like travel or photography, the process itself is fun. For example, the time spent thinking about the composition of photos taken during a trip or interacting with the people you meet there becomes an irreplaceable memory above all else.

The difficulty of the challenge
On the other hand, challenges are accompanied by difficulties. In particular, goals such as "living a life not bound by time or money" and "obtaining multiple sources of income" require planning and effort to achieve. It is natural to feel down when working on things you are not used to or when you fail.

Also, the bigger the dream, the more you might not know where to start at first. For example, travel-related goals like "going to Taiwan" can sometimes be difficult to prepare for, such as adjusting schedules or thinking about budgets. Even so, I feel that by starting small and moving forward little by little, there are times when you can achieve them before you know it.

There is anxiety and hesitation in taking on challenges, but since the feeling of "I want to try it" is greater than that, I want to overcome it while enjoying it this year as well.

Making a bucket list and challenging yourself with it can be a trigger to make life more fun and fulfilling. If you write down what you want to do, you might have new discoveries like, "I was interested in things like this!"

The beauty of a bucket list is the flexibility to think, 'I can just try again next year,' even if there are goals I haven't achieved yet, just like me. The goal isn't everything when it comes to taking on challenges; the learning and growth gained along the way are the greatest treasures.

If you read this article and thought, 'I want to make a list too!', please feel free to start. It doesn't matter if your goals are big or small. Just taking that first step might open up a view you've never seen before.

I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of year I will have through this bucket list. I look forward to reporting back on what I've managed to achieve when I look back at the end of 2025!

Now, let's continue to enjoy taking on challenges next year!
I wish you all a fruitful year!

Bunbun's, Write it down and it comes true! My bucket list 2025
1Live a life unbound by time and money
2Earn enough income from multiple sources to do what I want
3Have enough financial leeway to comfortably support myself and those around me
4Write a novel on Kakuyomu
5Start my own business
6Create products that bring smiles to people's faces
7Take photos that are useful to someone
8Improve my strobe lighting skills (and acquire more gear as needed)
9Create a business plan for simple smartphone photography lessons (roadmap)
10Go on a domestic reporting trip
11Travel every month to take photos
12Find companions to travel with
13Go to Taiwan to enjoy delicious food and have fun taking photos
14Go to Nagasaki Bio Park to take photos of the animals
15Conquer all the zoos in Japan
16Interact with animals
17Conquer all the aquariums in Japan
18Go to Huis Ten Bosch to see the fireworks
19Go to the Lantern Festival to take photos
20Visit fireworks festivals across the country (especially Akagawa, Nagaoka, Omagari, Shinmei, Katakai, and Huis Ten Bosch)
21Set off private fireworks
22Watch fireworks from the sky in a helicopter
23Host my own event
24Continue blogging and increase PV
25Interact with readers
26Expand my circle of friends on social media
27Have a post exceed 1,000 retweets
28Express my gratitude
29Cherish time with friends
30Make friends of different nationalities
31Make friends of different ages
32Maintain a healthy, low-cost body
33Ensure enough sleep (sleep well and feel full of energy)
34Master yoga poses I couldn't do before
35Increase the genres of video I excel at
36Improve the quality of short videos (Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok) 39
37Become proficient in using various generative AI tools
38Become proficient in using drawing and design tools (diagrams, illustrations)
39Dress with a relaxed, stylish vibe
40Get coordinated by a professional stylist
41Enjoy clothing that aligns with my values
42Try dyeing my hair blonde
43Visit World Heritage sites
44Go around the world three times on Peace Boat (try all three routes)
45Hold an exhibition with the photos and videos taken above
46Create a photo book of the above
47Run a gallery cafe
48Get revenge on my "ride a hot air balloon" goal in Cappadocia
49Go to Africa and ride a hot air balloon (balloon safari)
50See the Sahara Desert (Morocco; also visit Casablanca and Chefchaouen)
51Go to the Maple Road to see the autumn leaves
52Go to New Zealand to see the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings and The Last Samurai
53Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives
54Stay at a Geoffrey Bawa hotel in Sri Lanka (revisit Heritance Kandalama too)
55Take photos at the Tottori Sand Dunes (also visit the Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography)
56Photograph the aurora (Iceland, Yellowstone)
57Go to Ogasawara to see whales
58Go to Okinawa for a photo shoot
59Photograph the Milky Way
60Go to the Uyuni Salt Flats
61Go to see the completion of the Sagrada Familia
62Travel in business class
63Collect chairs
64Own custom-made items
65Create a secret garden-style greenhouse
66Create a lobelia flower garden
67Find a regular hangout spot
68Be able to say "the usual" and have it understood
69Tour sake breweries in Japan
70Create a "U" drawer (a drawer for delicious things)
71Introduce delicious food from various places
72Fly in the sky with a paraglider
73Learn drone piloting skills
74Swim with dolphins
75Stay at various hotels with terraces
76Travel on a luxury train
77Spend time relaxing at a Hoshino Resort
78Go to the Unkai Terrace
79Stay at Hotel MiraCosta at DisneySea
80Go to Hokkaido again to eat a seafood bowl
81Go to Higashikawa, Hokkaido, the town of photography (also visit the "Oda Collection" of chairs)
82Conquer hot springs all over Japan
83Go to a tempura restaurant where they fry it right in front of you (like the coveted Kondo)
84Increase my cooking repertoire
85Buy a drum-type washing machine
86Get new curtains
87Declutter (try using a junk removal service)
88Rearrange my room
89Host a home party
90Create an ending note
91Increase my kalimba repertoire
92Go camping and play the kalimba in front of a bonfire
93Visit shrines and power spots
94Try participating in a flash mob
95Learn Tai Chi again
96Learn English again
97Learn Spanish again
98Watch a movie at the theater every month
99Start going to see Kabuki regularly again
100 Go to Rakugo