The 'Shape of Future Society' Seen at an Onigiri Cafeteria Where Even 80-Year-Olds Can Still Work

I am Kumataro Yokoyama, a training instructor and sign language interpreter.

While utilizing AI, I provide information for seniors and introduce books and gadgets.

Today, I am talking about a 'cafeteria where seniors are the stars'.

I wish there was a cafeteria like this.
I would like to go there.
I am sure I am not the only one who thinks so.

Wouldn't it be fun to work at a place like this someday?
Don't you think so too?

'I'm too old, so there's no work for me'

I believe there are quite a few people who think that way.

However, that premise is quietly beginning to crumble.

An 'Onigiri Cafeteria' where seniors are the stars is born

In a shopping district in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture,
a slightly unusual cafeteria is opening.

An 'Onigiri Cafeteria' run by the senior generation

In both the kitchen and the dining area,
the staff consists of about 20 people aged 50 to 80.

And the way they work is also distinctive.

・3-hour shifts per session
・Reasonable shifts that take physical strength into account

What exists here is not 'making them work', but
'a way of working that can be sustained'.

The menu is simple. But the meaning is deep

What is served is,

・Freshly made onigiri
・Pork miso soup with plenty of ingredients

It is very simple.

But there is a reason for this simplicity.

A design for working comfortably and for a long time.

In other words, this cafeteria is...

not creating 'jobs that even the elderly can do,' but rather
creating 'jobs that the elderly can continue because of their age'

that is what it means.

A 'place to work' changes people

There was a phrase in the article that left an impression on me.

This is not about money.

People,

・have a role
・are needed by someone

Just by having these two things,
their way of life changes.

A challenge as a system

This cafeteria is not just a restaurant.

・Operations led by seniors
・Profit sharing through a cooperative model
・Support from companies behind the scenes

In short, this is,

a 'work model for the elderly' itself

is what it is.

Furthermore,

・children's cafeteria
・home delivery of side dishes

It also looks toward expansion into the community through things like these.

This is how society is changing.

This initiative is not just about special people.

In fact,

it has the potential to become the 'new normal' of the future.

・Working after retirement
・Continuing without strain
・Connecting with the community

This kind of model will gradually increase.

Finally,

Whether you think 'I can't do it anymore' or
'I can still do it.'

That difference is not just a matter for the individual.

'Whether there is a place where one can work'

This news clearly demonstrated that.

Even at 80, you can still work.

No,

we will build a society where people can work from now on.

It was news that made me feel that kind of future.
Original article here

#SeniorGeneration #ElderlyEmployment #JoyOfWorking #SocialParticipation #RegionalRevitalization #OnigiriCafeteria #MachinakaCafeteria #AkashiCity #ShoppingDistrict #SecondLife #PurposeInLife
#LocalCommunity #FutureWorkStyles #JapansFuture