Tamiko Honda, the oldest female McDonald’s crew member in Kumamoto prefecture in Japan, is 92 years old and she continues to work at the fast food chain to this day.
Honda was recently interviewed and showcased (via President.jp) for her incredible health and her continued work, despite her recent back pains – which started 2 years ago when she was 90 years old.
At that time, she decided to quit once her back began to hurt. Shortly after when she went to return her uniform, all the young crews members in their teens and twenties were so happy to see her. Because of this she decided not to quit because she was still so popular, so she’s still working there today. It’s not only the younger generations that adore Tamiko – she’s well-liked by all the crew members of all ages who work at the store.
Her kindness towards everyone makes everyone happy and she is always calm and smiling. What also makes people like her is that she remembers everyone with their various details.
She remembers the conversations she had with customers or locals, like someone that lives with their mother or someone that has a child. Because she cherishes the relationships she makes with people, people love her back. Also, she never forgets to be grateful every day, and people love her about it.
The people of her local shopping district also love her, like one of the cleaners of the store in front of her McDonald’s that goes to see her in the morning. Also, at least 70% of the morning customers at her store are regular customers, and many of them have become good friends with her.
The presence of Tamiko, who cleans up the store every morning, has become an integral part of their shopping district. As she holds the title of Japan’s oldest female McDonald’s crew member, she has been featured in media numerous times. She also receives letters from all over Japan. A young boy that became a fan of Tamiko event traveled all the way from Tokyo to her town of Kumamoto, and she has even met fans from overseas.
While Tamiko’s life has had ups and downs, she hasn’t held grudges nor has she been weak. Instead, she diverted her sorrow and frustration into gratitude by continuing to change the water for the flowers at her local temple, and polishing up the Buddha statue.
Tamiko has worked at McDonald’s for 25 years since he was 67 years old. The secret to Tamiko’s everlasting good health? She eats natto (fermented soybeans). She always eats it three times a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, she walks a lot. She says that “if you stay at home, your legs and back will be ruined, and your bones and muscles will become hardened. Walking is the only way to get healthy. You must move.”
The 92-year-old also does 20 push-ups every morning, noon, and night, despite her age. She also plays soccer with her great-grandchildren, kicking a ball around and doing exercises with them. She loves her work, and although she hurt her back, she can still work well, all thanks to her ancestors, God, and Buddha. That’s how she’s been able to do her best.
Despite her focus on staying healthy Tamiko’s favorite food at McDonald’s is a cheeseburger. After work, she eats McDonald’s and drinks coffee. She also gets chicken nuggets for her great-grandchildren. Surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tamiko’s active life continues.
