At 103, Fuku regularly visits her family restaurant, Ginka-tei, in Fujioka city, Gunma prefecture, for about one hour each lunchtime, five days a week. She personally cooks ramen, washes dishes, and manages the finances.

Fuku opened the restaurant 60 years ago, having been born in 2/1923. At 100 years old, she considered retirement but chose to continue working, feeling she still had the energy to contribute.

Her enduring work ethic at such an advanced age brought her social media fame three years ago. Her grandchildren then enrolled her in a reality television program, inviting actor Takuya Kimura – her idol – to eat ramen, which widely spread the restaurant's name.

Amakawa Fuku, 103, at her 60-year-old ramen restaurant Ginka-tei in Fujioka city, Gunma prefecture. Kaigo Post Seven

Amakawa Fuku, 103, at her 60-year-old ramen restaurant Ginka-tei in Fujioka city, Gunma prefecture. Kaigo Post Seven

For six decades, Fuku has not experienced a serious illness. She maintains a healthy appetite, starting her day with a bowl of rice with hot water, accompanied by shaved tuna, diced chicken, sliced salmon, soft-boiled eggs, tofu, and natto (fermented soybeans). In the evening, she enjoys a small glass of beer.

Beyond her regular meals, her daily commute and assistance at the restaurant each lunchtime contribute to her physical fitness. During breaks, she takes the opportunity to perform squats or calf raises to stretch her muscles, rather than remaining seated. She considers sitting still a waste of time, preferring to work as long as her limbs can move. Daily interactions with customers also provide her with motivation.

Many are curious about Fuku's nightly beer habit, but Tang Kien Minh, a nutrition and diabetes education expert, cautions against adopting this practice for health. Minh explains that while some past surveys noted lower rates of cardiovascular disease among light drinkers compared to non-drinkers, these findings are influenced by economic conditions, exercise levels, diet, and the fact that many people only stop drinking when they develop an illness. The medical community does not consider daily beer consumption a method for health enhancement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms there is no absolutely safe threshold for alcohol consumption; even a small amount of alcohol increases cancer risk. Elderly bodies metabolize alcohol slower, leading to stronger toxic effects, which can result in falls, low blood pressure, liver damage, and interference with medication. Fuku's longevity stems from a combination of factors, including: genetic predisposition, living environment, physical activity, and nutrition, not from beer.

Amakawa personally cooks noodles for customers at her restaurant. Kaigo Post Seven

Amakawa personally cooks noodles for customers at her restaurant. Kaigo Post Seven

The expert also addresses concerns about the 103-year-old's habit of eating rice with water. Science has not found evidence that rice with hot water causes acid reflux. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines only advise reflux patients to avoid eating two to three hours before sleep and to lose weight if obese, without prohibiting porridge or rice with water.

Elderly individuals with weak teeth who have difficulty swallowing can maintain this eating method if they experience no stomach discomfort or reflux. While Fuku's meals include water, they contain abundant protein from fish, meat, eggs, and beans, ensuring nutritional value for her body. When eating, older adults should chew thoroughly and avoid rushing to prevent choking risks.

According to Tang Kien Minh, the most valuable lessons from Fuku are ensuring sufficient protein intake to prevent muscle atrophy and weight loss in old age; maintaining leg flexibility through daily physical tasks; and preserving mental clarity through a regular lifestyle, always having a purpose each morning.

By Binh Minh (Source: TVBS, Kaigo Post Seven)