A Centenarian’s Journey at a Mountain Ramen Restaurant
In the small city of Fujioka, located in Gunma Prefecture, there is a ramen restaurant that has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. This place, known as Ginkatei, is not just any eatery—it’s a symbol of resilience and dedication, thanks to its 102-year-old employee, Fuku Amagawa. Her presence at the restaurant continues to attract visitors from all over the world, making her a true “poster girl” for the community.
A Popular Eatery in a Changing Landscape
Ginkatei is nestled along a road surrounded by low mountains, near the former Onishi town hall. The area, once part of a smaller town that merged into Fujioka in 2006, has seen a decline in population. Despite this, the restaurant remains a bustling hub of activity, drawing both locals and international tourists. Lines form before the 11:30 a.m. opening, and the five tables, which can seat around 20 people, fill up quickly.
Fuku, who appears just before noon, moves with grace and energy. She stands tall, speaks cheerfully, and answers questions clearly. Her eyesight is sharp, and she hardly shows her age. She works for one hour each day, only taking three days off this year due to dizziness. However, she typically works six days a week whenever the restaurant is open.
The Heart of the Restaurant
Fuku’s role at Ginkatei is crucial. She is responsible for making ramen, carefully measuring noodles, preparing soup, and serving customers. Her hands are practiced and precise. She also handles other tasks such as handling bills, washing dishes, and doing light exercises like squats and calf raises. “It’s a waste to sit still,” she says, explaining that movement is a natural part of her routine.
From Movie Theater to Ramen Restaurant
Fuku was born in 1923 in what is now Fujioka. After graduating from a girls’ school, she initially planned to undergo domestic training to be a bride. However, due to the war, there were no young men available. For about a decade, she worked in an office at a local bus company.
She had a love for movies and would sometimes travel to Tokyo alone to watch them. In 1949, she married Takashi, who ran the only movie theater in the area. The couple’s business thrived in the 1950s, but Fuku never had time to enjoy the films herself.
In 1964, as color TV became more widespread, Fuku decided to transition into the restaurant business. They closed the movie theater and opened Ginkatei. The former moviegoers became regulars at the ramen shop, and the restaurant even delivered meals to the local town hall.
A New Chapter After Loss
After her husband, Takashi, passed away in 2003, Fuku considered closing the restaurant. However, she continued to run it with the support of her eldest daughter, Kumiko Musha, and her second son, Shunji, who now manages the business. Despite her age, Fuku has never suffered from major illnesses and has spent 60 years running the restaurant.
Unexpected Fame Through Social Media
When Fuku turned 100, her story gained unexpected attention through social media and mainstream platforms. Customers from Mongolia, Taiwan, Germany, and other countries began visiting the restaurant. A life-size cutout of her was even placed outside the establishment.
What surprised her even more was when Takuya Kimura, a popular actor and singer, visited the restaurant as part of a TV show. Fuku, a huge fan of Kimura, had often mentioned him to her grandchild, who then arranged for the visit. The event brought a flood of customers, leading the restaurant to limit entry.
Daily Life and Health Secrets
Fuku’s daily routine begins early, before 7 a.m. She makes offerings at the family altar, tidies up, and eats breakfast. Her meal consists of soft-cooked rice, topped with various ingredients like bonito flakes, minced chicken, and a soft-boiled egg. She focuses on protein and supplements her meals with leftovers from the previous day.
After work, she returns home, has lunch, takes a nap, and goes to bed at 8 p.m. Her son, Shunji, notes that while he sees people her age working on TV, none match her level of independence. Her daughter, Kumiko, recalls that Fuku was once bossy, but she believes that working keeps her active and happy.
Looking Ahead
Despite her age, Fuku remains determined to continue working as long as she can. She values her life and wants to live without regrets. “People only live about 100 years at most,” she says, adding, “You never know what tomorrow will bring.”
The restaurant’s social media account, with 40,000 followers, receives messages of encouragement daily. These messages, along with the support from her family and customers, keep her motivated. On her birthday, she received a letter that made her feel grateful, though she admitted she could no longer write properly.
Fuku’s story is one of perseverance, joy, and a deep love for life. Her presence at Ginkatei is not just a testament to her strength but also an inspiration to all who visit.
