Ms. Takenoshita smiles as she looks back on her life, saying, “I’ve been working non-stop.”

Respect for the Aged Day is on the 15th. Ritsuko Takenoshita, 87, who lives in Fujisawa City, works as a life insurance salesperson, also known as an “insurance representative.” Born in Kagoshima Prefecture, she experienced war as a child and moved to the city while leading a life of constant work. While raising four children, she marks her 50th year of service this year. Ms. Takenoshita smiles and says, “I’ve been devoted to my work, but (my experiences so far) are irreplaceable with money. If I stay healthy, I want to keep working until I’m 100.”

Ms. Takenoshita, who belongs to the Nissei Shonan Branch, wakes up at 5 a.m. every day. After having breakfast and cleaning the kitchen, she leaves the house and attends the company’s morning meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. After that, she drives around the city, mainly visiting her customers, using a tablet to explain insurance and propose plans according to their budgets. She currently handles over 300 customers, most of whom she has known for decades.

Ms. Takenoshita says, “Since I was a newcomer, (customers) have built connections, and that’s why I am where I am today.”

When meeting customers, she asks, “How’s your health?” or “Are you doing well?” and discusses secrets to longevity or listens to their worries and troubles. She says her attitude toward work has changed from the past, explaining, “I don’t visit with the intention of getting a contract from the start. It feels amazing when tired people become energetic or when someone with worries starts smiling.” She smiles warmly.

Ms. Takenoshita reveals why she continues to work after the retirement age of 65 under a reemployment contract: “Even when I was a newcomer, (customers) built connections, and I’ve been helped by customers for 50 years. I want to repay the favor.”

Carrying her 1-year-old daughter, doing door-to-door sales

Respect for the Aged Day

“Respect for the Aged Day” is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on the third Monday of September to honor elderly citizens and their contributions to society. It originated in 1947 in the small town of Nomadani-mura (now part of Taka-cho) and was established as a national holiday in 1966. The day is marked by community gatherings and the presentation of gifts to senior citizens.

Fujisawa City

Fujisawa City is a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, historically known as a post town on the important Tokaido road during the Edo period. It is most famous as the home of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Kamakura-gū, a major Shinto shrine, and has developed into a vibrant residential and commercial center.

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture, located on Japan’s southern Kyushu island, is historically renowned as the home of the influential Satsuma domain, which played a pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration. The prefecture is dominated by the iconic, active Sakurajima volcano and offers a rich samurai heritage alongside unique culinary traditions. Its capital city, also named Kagoshima, faces the volcano across Kinko Bay and is often called the ‘Naples of the East’ for its scenic beauty.

Nissei Shonan Branch

The Nissei Shonan Branch is a regional office of Nippon Life Insurance Company (Nissei) located in the Shonan area of Japan. While not a historical site itself, it is part of the corporate history of Nippon Life, one of the country’s oldest and largest life insurers, which was founded in 1889. The branch serves as a modern financial services center for the local community.