InsideJapan News Network

A Japanese yachtsman has embarked on a voyage to circumnavigate the world.

Minouri Saito, 74, hopes go arrive back in Yokohama on the 150th anniversary of the port's reopening, reports Japan Today.

Mr Saito, who is already listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest person to sail around the world, commented: "I can be free at sea. You are no longer just a cog in the wheel unlike business people working for companies."

The Tokyo native said that once he is at sea, ensuring his vessel is properly maintained is the biggest challenge.

"I'm not confident at all, but I'll give it my best," he said.

Mr Saito began sailing professionally at the age of 39 and has so far sailed the world seven times.

In 2007, he was presented with the Blue Water Medal by the Cruising Club of America.