Actually, she's 101 and 9 months. But the Japanese government belatedly figured out she lived in Chicago area and the consulate came to give her this congratulatory statement from President Abe, and the silver sake cup for long life. She's had quite a life -- owned 7 restaurants in Japan (5 in Tokyo alone), had a cooking school, a cooking class on public television, series of cookbooks, and even a frozen food line. In Japan, 60 is the BIG birthday known as "Kanreki" and she cooked for the previous emperor's 60th birthday party. What a life.
Her father-in-law was a student of my grandfather. Who knew, three generations later and across three countries, we would still be in touch.
She sounds a completely brilliant and remarkable lady! I love this portrait, it is full of fun and full of life. Happy very belated 100th to her :) Love that your families have had contact through so many generations. That's real and living history.
What a remarkable story, Junko! This is a marvelous photo of such an amazing person who's succeeded in living a (very!) full life! That's a life to which we all might aspire!
