Book lovers are flocking to the annual Kanda Secondhand Book Festival in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward for the many bargains and rare offerings that can be found in the endless trove of bookshelves and tables.
Author Takeshi Kaiko (1930-1989) never used a pen name in place of his unusual surname, but once recalled in an essay, “Ever since I was a child, my highly uncommon name has caused me nothing but constant aggravation.”
Yasuko Tamaki smiles at a ceremony for her Guinness World Records certification on Dec. 28 in Osaka. (Mamie Kawai)
OSAKA When new employees start at Sunco Industries Co. in Osaka s Nishi Ward, they get the benefit of a living history briefing from Yasuko Tamaki.
Tamaki, 90, joined the specialty fastener trading firm in 1956 and is still going strong as the company s office manager.
“She tells me she wants to die at her desk,” said Hirohiko Sato, 47, the head of the general affairs department who supervises Tamaki.
After passing through the retirement age of 60 some 30 years ago, Tamaki is assigned to the department under a one-year renewable contract.