JAPAN. Nagano. Shibu-Onsen. October 2022. Toyoko Yamazaki, 94 years old owns and works at her Ramen noodle restaurant “Rairaiken”.
Born in Nagano City.
Ms Yamazaki arrived in Shibu-Onsen after getting married in 1965. This shop was started by her husband in 1946, who died in 2008. They had one child, who now live in Kakuma Onsen.

Ms Yamazaki says : - « I feel more relaxed when I’m working. I want to die in active service.
I don't want to just watch TV. It's boring. I enjoy interacting with customers.
I don't do any particular exercise. I eat normally. My blood pressure is high, so I try to walk to the hospital in town to get some exercise.
I'm on a state pension now, but that's not enough to live on. Thanks to the shop, my life is stable.
Sometimes friends from the neighbourhood come to visit me and we have tea. I look forward to that moment.
I'm happy when my grandchildren come. I'm happy to make them their favourite dishes, like ramen or fried rice. »