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Shitsui Hakoishi began training to be a barber at the age of 14. In her native Japan or anywhere else today, that is unique. But what really sets Shitsui apart is that she’s been at it for 93 years. Yes, she’s 107, still working, still loving her work, and still vowing to continue working hard. She’s not only the world’s oldest barber, but she is likely to hold the record for the longest active career of any other person in the world.
Not Easy
Her life hasn’t been easy. When she began training at age 14, Shitsui moved from her hometown of Nakagawa to Tokyo. It wasn’t until much later, after her husband had gone to war, that she returned to her hometown with her two young children. He had left for war, asking her to raise their children well. With those words as motivation, she continued “to work as hard as two people,” and resolved to “remain fully committed down this path without losing my way.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 1953, eight years after the war ended, that she learned of her husband’s death.
Today, Shitsui lives in the same house she’s lived in for nearly 80 years, now sharing it with her son and daughter-in-law. Her barber shop is in a room in her home. She lives and works with minimal assistance. Shitsui stands straight and takes her time giving, what her clients claim, are excellent haircuts. Surprisingly, she has no difficulty handling the scissors or standing for long periods of time. And, she says she doesn’t get tired.
Joy
Shitsui says that her life now is a joy. She loves her work, her family, and her community. She’s even become a local celebrity. In 2020, she was selected to carry the Olympic Torch. It weighed nearly 7 pounds and she needed to lift it over her head for quite a distance. She said it wasn’t a problem, she was “so focused” she didn’t notice. That’s what we call healthy longevity.
As the world’s oldest barber Shitsui continues to see several customers a month in her barbershop, and vows to continue what brings her joy, to “carry on working as hard as I can.” At 107, she’s an inspiration to us all. Hard to believe this way of life is possible at 107? Read on and see for yourself…
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