Shitsui Hakoishi, Japan’s 108 years old woman, formally recognized as the oldest barber by Guinness World Records worldwide.
Hakoishi started her career at the age of 14 when a friend’s mom asked her to apprentice at a Tokyo hair salon in 1916.
She, since promised to carry on her efforts till at least 110.
Hakoishi, still wielding her own scissors, expressed her happiness at a recent celebration in Nakagawa—a township in Tochigi—stating, “I’m quite thrilled.
Her two grandchildren, an 85-year-old daughter and an 81-year-old son, are said to have attended the show.
Regarding the title of oldest barber, Guinness World Records verified that it is split into male and female divisions.
The title once held by Anthony Mancinelli, the oldest male barber who worked in New York. He worked there until he was 107, has been vacated following his death.
Perseverance and resilience define hakoishi’s life.
Married in her early 20s, she started a salon with her spouse, who passed away while drafted during World War II.
The US military bombing of Tokyo destroyed the salon, which also acted as the family house.
Surviving as they had fled to her home of Nakagawa were Hakoishi and her kids.
Many years following the battle, Hakoishi founded a fresh salon in Nakagawa.
There she still works and gets calls from former customers asking for appointments.
Though she is now living in a care home, she is still independent.
Regional broadcaster Tochigi TV reports Hakoishi had the privilege of being one of the torchbearers for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, covering roughly 200 meters.
Shitsui Hakoishi stated she was resolute in pursuing her career when asked about her future.
She said, “This year I turn 109, so I wish to keep working until 110.”
