JAPAN. Nagano. Octobre 29th, 2022. Kichiroji Kodama, 73 years old, at Ryokan “Yamatoya” which he owns and where he works.
Mr Shinji Kodama cleaning the bathrooms of the Ryokan.

Born in Gunma Prefecture, in 2017 at the age of 67, Mr Shinji Kodama became the owner of this ryokan, which has been running for 270 years.
He now lives with his wife and three children at the ryokan. His eldest daughter will be his successor, but Mr Shinji Kodama plans to work until he dies.
In the small ryokan, Shinji Kodama does everything, from cleaning to small jobs.

He says: - « I think cleaning the bath is good exercise. » and adds « I work all the time, as my job has no time breaks. I don't have any holidays.
If I could have a holiday, I would like to travel. My friend from my kendo days is in Kyushu and I used to see him a lot when I was a student.
The good thing about this job is that I am rewarded when I see customers enjoying themselves and when they laugh and are grateful for the welcoming of this place. »