[Japanese Side] 90-Year-Old Japanese McDonald's Oldest Crew Member "I Am Happy to Work"

Tamiko Honda, Born in 1933
Employed at McDonald's After Retirement... Worked for 23 Years

In aging Japan, people who continue to work regardless of their age often become a topic of interest. Recently, a 90-year-old woman, the oldest female crew member at McDonald's nationwide, has been making headlines. The news that an ordinary grandmother has been working as a McDonald's crew member for 23 years after retirement surprised many in Japan.

Today, we share the story of 90-year-old grandmother Tamiko Honda, who finds fulfillment in her work as her life’s purpose.

Japanese broadcaster TBS interviewed Ms. Honda, who lives in Kumamoto. Born in 1933 and now 90 years old, she is said to be the oldest female crew member at McDonald's Japan. Surprisingly, the oldest male crew member is 94 years old. With 190,000 McDonald's crew members in Japan, Ms. Honda’s presence stands out even more.

Tamiko Honda introduced on TBS. (Photo by TBS)

She works as a "maintenance crew," cleaning inside the store and the machines at McDonald's. Every time she goes to work, she says, "I really feel energized when I come to work. This feeling is the best."

Ms. Honda has been working at McDonald's for 23 years now. Before that, she worked as a hospital caregiver and a university cleaner. Because she loved staying active, she sought a new job at the age of 67, after retiring.

When Ms. Honda wanted to find work instead of staying at home, her daughter said, "McDonald's is hiring now." Ms. Honda immediately called McDonald's. The person in charge asked her to start working from the very next day. Since then, Ms. Honda has been working five days a week at McDonald's for 23 years.

Customers who see her working at 90 often say, "Thank you for always keeping things so clean," and she feels a sense of fulfillment each time. She told TBS, "I am happy. I feel like I can work no matter how old I am."

Tamiko Honda at work. (Photo by TBS)

At this McDonald's branch, people of various ages from 15 to 90 work together. Ms. Honda breaks down generational barriers and interacts freely with everyone.

She often talks to a 20-year-old college student who leaves after her part-time shift, saying things like, "Good luck with your classes." The store manager also said, "Everyone calls her Tamiko-san or Tamichan as a nickname," emphasizing, "She is an indispensable presence at this branch."

Ms. Honda expressed to the reporters that she is truly happy because she likes the crew and is grateful for her current environment.

Her goal is to continue breaking the record as the oldest female crew member. Her dream is to work until she is 100 years old.

Her passion, which has not faded even at 90, has touched many people. We hope Ms. Honda stays healthy and continues to enjoy her work in the years to come.

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