Beloved Yishun cobbler, 76, suffers fall & health worsens

A cobbler, who has been operating in Yishun for more than 32 years, has been hospitalised after a sustaining a serious fall injury.

His health condition was then diagnosed as being progressively worse off than initially thought.

News of the plight that has befallen 76-year-old Yamaguchi Taro was shared in a notice in public.

His work station is outside Northpoint City, where he operated.

Taro had been a regular fixture on the ground floor outside of the mall, where he mends footwear near the corner where the Popstation @ Northpoint City is located.

He was previously located at the Yishun bus interchange before the area was redeveloped.

In a 2014 article on him, he reportedly worked daily from 1:30pm to 11:30pm, only taking a two-week break during Chinese New Year.

What notice said

The notice, by his daughter, informed the public that the elderly man cannot take on anymore cobbling work due to his ailing health.

Besides sustaining a fracture in his left hand, Taro has been diagnosed with dementia and a stroke that affected the right side of his body, causing him speech and mobility issues.

He also has to be fed through a tube.

The notice, signed off by Yoko, added: “We’re heartbroken to see him facing these health challenges, but we’re committed to supporting him every step of the way.”

She added that she “can’t wait to see Taro-san back at his workbench, doing what he loves”.

It is not known when Taro is expected to make his return, but the "Yishun Traditional Cobbler Yamaguchi" listing on Google has been labelled "permanently closed".

It is understood he has been out of action for a while.

The notice read:

Dear valued customers,

I’m writing to share some difficult news with a heavy heart. Our beloved cobbler, Mr Taro-san, my daddy, has been hospitalised after a serious fall. He’s receiving the best care possible, but unfortunately, this means we’re unable to accept any cobbling work until he recovers. Mr Taro-san’s condition is more than we initially thought. He’s been diagnosed with:

• Dementia, which has been progressing rapidly
• Uncontrollable bowel, requiring round-the-clock care
• Fractured left hand, making everyday a struggle
• Stroke on his right side, affecting his mobility and speech
• A lump on his throat, which is causing swallowing difficulties

Due to the throat lump, Mr Taro-san is currently receiving nutrition through nostril milk feeds. This is a challenging time for him, and we’re doing everything we can to support his recovery.

We’re heartbroken to see him facing these health challenges, but we’re committed to supporting him every step of the way. We appreciate your understanding, patience, & kind thoughts during this time.

Mr Taro-san has dedicated his life to his craft, and his passion for cobbling has touched countless lives. We’re grateful for the memories, the laughter, and the lessons he’s shared with us all.

We’ll keep you updated on his progress and look forward to serving you again soon. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to see Taro-san back at his workbench, doing what he loves.

Thank you for being part of our community and for caring about Mr Taro-san’s well-being.

Sincerely Yours,

Yoko (Daughter of Taro-san)

Responses

On Reddit, where the photo of the notice was posted, commenters reacted to the announcement that the cobbler has been taken ill with sympathy and sadness.

One commenter wrote: "I know he's been gone for a while, but this was not the update I was looking for."

Another added: "Oh no, I was hoping he had simply gone for a holiday."

Top photos via Google Maps