[Japanese Side] "Worked 60 Years and Retired" The Story of a 100-Year-Old Artisan Grandma Highlighted in Japan

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Last week, we shared the story of a 91-year-old cheerleader grandmother who moved Japan, and this week, another grandmother who is retiring at the age of 100 has become a hot topic in Japan. As a country famous for 'Monozukuri (物作り),' which means craftsmanship, her lifelong dedication to her work has touched many people. Today, we introduce 100-year-old artisan Okabe Kin.

Born in 1923, Mr. Okabe is an artisan at a factory that makes nail files, known as 'Yasuri.' He has worked at this factory for over 60 years. Mr. Okabe is responsible for crafting the blades of the nail files, and the nail files he produces are highly praised for their excellent cutting ability, leaving a particularly smooth finish when used. Even violinists overseas, including those in Italy, seek out his products.

Okabe Kinshi making a nail file. (Photo by Isetan website)

Mr. Okabe operates a machine using both his hands and feet to make the blades. He adjusts the height of the blade with his left hand and controls the movement with a pedal operated by his right foot. He relies solely on his naked eyes and tactile senses to create the blades. Despite turning 100 on his birthday next month on the 4th, he demonstrates incredible concentration and produces blades without any errors. It is said that if someone suddenly speaks to him while he is working, he often gets startled, so the factory has a rule to call out to him from a distance.

As times have changed, many factories have shifted to fully automated production of nail files, but Mr. Okabe insists on handcrafting. He learned how to sharpen blades long ago and has worked at his in-law’s factory since he was in his 40s. He has maintained perfect attendance for 60 years, only taking one week off due to illness. Even at 90, he actively participated in developing new products for the company and promoted the advantages of handmade nail files at department stores, showing great passion for his work. In a TV interview at age 90, Mr. Okabe explained the benefits himself, saying, “Handmade blades cut deeper than machine-made ones.”

He also has pride and stubbornness about the products he makes. When a department store that receives his products requested the factory owner to make the blades less sharp, Mr. Okabe firmly refused, saying, “No. I can never accept hearing that the nail files I make don’t file well. Compromise is impossible.”

However, recognizing that continuing to work at an advanced age would be difficult, Mr. Okabe decided to retire on his 100th birthday next month. He first mentioned his intention to retire when he turned 99. In Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, where the factory is located, a special Women’s Distinguished Service Award was created to honor his achievements, and the mayor presented the award along with a commemorative gift on the 17th, coinciding with Mr. Okabe’s retirement.

The factory owner said in a media interview, “His serious attitude toward work naturally motivates his colleagues. When someone says they made 500 nail files today, Mr. Okabe responds that he will make 600 tomorrow. Everyone looks up to him as a role model.” The factory workers are currently making great efforts to learn Mr. Okabe’s skills and work attitude before his retirement.

Age is just a number, but his diligent attitude of perfect attendance at the same company for over 60 years has inspired many. His words, “By refining nail files, I naturally came this far,” seem to perfectly reflect his quiet spirit of craftsmanship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.