At 108, Japanese woman breaks record as world’s oldest female barber

In a recent article, South China Morning Post highlights that a 108-year-old Japanese woman has earned a place in the history books as the world’s oldest female barber, a remarkable feat she’s achieved after nearly a century of dedication to her craft. 

Shitsui Hakoishi, a 108-year-old Japanese woman, has been awarded the prestigious title of “world’s oldest female barber” by Guinness World Records, a recognition she earned after dedicating an incredible 94 years to her craft. Her story continues to inspire people around the globe, particularly on social media.

On March 5, Hakoishi, who runs a barbershop in Nakagawa, Tochigi Prefecture, received the official acknowledgment from Guinness World Records.

Her journey began in 1931 when Hakoishi moved from her hometown to Tokyo, where she became an apprentice at a small salon and earned her barber’s license at the age of 20. In 1939, she opened her own barbershop with her husband in Tokyo. However, her life was tragically altered by World War II, during which she lost her husband and her salon was destroyed in an air raid.

Despite these setbacks, Hakoishi remained resilient. In 1953, she returned to Nakagawa and opened a new barbershop, which she continues to operate today. Although she has scaled back her work, she still serves a handful of loyal customers every month, and has expressed that she has “no plans to stop working.”

In 2020, Hakoishi was selected to be a torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympics. To prepare for this significant role, she practiced by walking over 1,000 steps daily while carrying a pole of similar weight to the Olympic torch.

Reflecting on the experience, she said, “At the moment when I raised the torch, I felt truly alive.”

Hakoishi attributes her longevity to a healthy diet that includes light food and daily exercises such as walking, shoulder movements, and leg stretches.

Achieving a Guinness World Record had been one of her long-held goals, and Hakoishi expressed immense joy upon reaching this milestone. “I’m truly overwhelmed with happiness. I’m grateful to everyone in the community. Life has been full of hardships since my youth, but now I’m truly happy. I will continue as long as I can,” she shared during the award ceremony.

Accompanied by her two children—her son, also a licensed barber and author of a book about her life, and her daughter, who supports people with disabilities while living with cerebral palsy—Hakoishi reflected on the life lessons that have sustained her. She shared her personal philosophy: “Hold no grudges, feel no jealousy, and engage in no quarrels,” a principle taught by her mother that has kept her positive and optimistic through decades of challenges.

Her inspiring journey has sparked admiration from people around the world. One individual commented: “It’s not just about health; it’s important to have a purpose every day.” Another added, “Not only has she lived a long life, but it’s incredible that she remains so sharp, able to work and communicate so effectively at her age.”

Hakoishi’s remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit continue to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.

By Naila Huseynova