Problema 1 · Inglés PAU La Rioja Extraordinaria 2026

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

In Japan, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly, and experts predict that by 2025, one in five citizens will suffer from dementia. Because of this, an innovative and inspiring project has attracted international attention. It is called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders", a place where waiters and waitresses, all of whom have some degree of memory loss or cognitive problems, sometimes bring the wrong dishes to customers.

The idea originated when Shiro Oguni, a television director, visited a care home for people living with dementia. Initially, he assumed that such people were unable to perform even the simplest tasks independently. However, he later realised that many residents could cook, clean, and carry out daily tasks. Although they may occasionally forget things, they remain able to lead lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling. Motivated by this realisation, Oguni sought to share this positive perspective with the wider public.

During the restaurant's first opening, something occurred that proved both unexpected and revealing. Having ordered a hamburger steak, Oguni was instead served a plate of gyoza. At first, he was confused. Then, he noticed that everyone around him was happy and laughing. Soon he realized that small mistakes like this could make people relax and smile. A simple "That's OK!" could change the entire dining experience.

The restaurant was created thanks to many volunteers. It soon became a symbol of inclusion and empathy. One elderly woman showed customers to their table and then sat down with them by accident. Another woman served coffee with a straw. Someone else tried to grind pepper but was not sure where it was falling. The customers laughed and helped her, shouting "We did it!". Together, they turned every mistake into a happy moment. In fact, the restaurant is not really about mistakes, but about human connection and learning to communicate with people who have dementia. Everyone who visits the restaurant learns to be more patient and understanding.

Although succeeding as a "restaurant of never-ending laughter", Oguni was at first worried that it might be criticised, with some people warning against presenting dementia as a form of entertainment or making fun of those affected. He also feared that visitors might focus only on what went wrong rather than on the people behind the experience. However, when guests saw the smiles of the staff and the joy they brought to their work, reactions were very different: some felt a spirit of courage, while others were moved to tears. In many cases, the servers themselves appeared confident, expressing a renewed sense of competence. As a result, the negative image of dementia began to be replaced by a more positive and human one. Calling someone "The demented Mrs. Whozit" is completely different from "Mrs. Whozit with dementia".

Oguni hopes this project will change how society views dementia. He believes Japan should be not only "cool" but also "warm", a place where everyone feels respected, included, and leaves with a smile.

1. Answer the following questions about the text IN YOUR OWN WORDS. (2 points; 1 each)

a.

What did Oguni learn about the abilities and quality of life of people with dementia on his first visit to a care home?

b.

What happened when Oguni received the wrong dish on the day the restaurant opened?