The 84-year-old Japanese baker who works more than 12 hours a day to keep her business alive: “As long as I have my health”
The internet has been captivated by the story of this octogenarian from Japan who has been baking nonstop for more than 50 years.
While most people are still fast asleep, Yuriko, an 84-year-old Japanese baker, is already firing up the ovens at the modest shop she founded with her husband more than half a century ago. The bakery, Yaoki Pan, is a small neighborhood business in the city of Fukuoka that recently became the subject of a feature by the YouTube channel Japanese Food Craftsman.
Keeping prices affordable in the face of inflation
Yuriko’s story has spread across the internet, and today many tourists visiting the area make a special trip to see her bakery. The shop has been featured in numerous viral social media videos, introducing her work to thousands of people around the world.
Despite the newfound attention, Yuriko has stayed true to the values that defined the bakery from day one. Even with the soaring cost of eggs and other ingredients, she has refused to raise prices. As she explains, she and her late husband have always believed in using quality ingredients while keeping their products affordable for customers. Part of that is possible because they own the building outright, sparing the business the burden of expensive rent.
Each day, her hands produce a wide range of baked goods, from classic sweet treats such as cream-filled buns, chocolate pastries and éclairs, to savory favorites including curry bread and freshly made sandwiches.
Working days that stretch to 20 hours
The physical effort required to keep the bakery running is remarkable for someone her age. Her daily routine begins before midnight, especially on Saturdays, so she can be ready to serve customers when the doors open at 5 a.m.
By her own admission, she works at least 12 hours a day, though there are times when those shifts stretch to 20 hours of near-continuous baking and customer service. The pain in her hands often makes it difficult to rest properly at night, but she insists that staying inactive is “bad for the body,” which is why she chooses to keep working.
The bakery’s phone rings constantly with inquiries and new orders. In addition to serving customers at the counter, the octogenarian also delivers bread to a local daycare center in the neighborhood.
An uncertain future
The future of Yaoki Pan, however, remains uncertain. Yuriko says her grandchildren have no interest in taking over the family business, leaving no obvious successor when the time comes for her to retire.
That day, though, still appears to be a long way off. The tireless baker says she intends to remain at the ovens for as long as she can. Her only condition is that her health continues to allow her to serve the neighbors who have supported her bakery for generations.
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