In Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, 108-year-old grandma Shitsui Hakoishi is still dedicated to her work as a hairdresser, and on Wednesday (March 5th), she was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “World’s Oldest Hairdresser.”
According to various media reports, Hakoishi, who runs a hair salon in Naka River Town, Tochigi Prefecture, was acknowledged as the world’s oldest female hairdresser at the age of 108 years and 115 days. Around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Guinness certification officer presented her with a certificate at a local sports hall, where a group of loyal customers and neighbors personally gathered to congratulate her.
Her eldest son, 81-year-old Hakoishi Masamasa, who accompanied her to receive the certificate, remarked, “Despite my mother’s petite stature, she is truly remarkable for dedicating her entire life to hairdressing.”
Expressing her excitement, Hakoishi said, “I am grateful to my parents for giving me such a healthy body, and today I am truly happy.”
Hakoishi’s hairdressing career began before World War II and has spanned over 90 years. Born in 1916 to a farming family, she ventured to Tokyo at the age of 14 to apprentice at a hair salon, and four years later successfully obtained her hairdressing license. At that time, she excelled in popular styles like the “Regent style” and short hair designs tailored for fashionable women, similar to the modern “Bob” hairstyle. With her skillful hands, she gained popularity among customers.
After getting married at 22, Hakoishi and her husband operated a hair salon in Shinjuku, Tokyo. However, her husband tragically died while serving in the military during WWII, and their shop was destroyed in the war, forcing her to return to her hometown with her two young children.
In 1953, she opened another hair salon in Naka River Town, raising her two children single-handedly with just a pair of hairdressing scissors, and she has been working ever since. Nowadays, Grandma Hakoishi still provides haircuts for 4 to 5 loyal customers every month.
Reflecting on her life journey, Hakoishi joyfully said, “Although I faced many hardships in my youth, it is this hair salon that has carried me to where I am today. Now, I am filled with joy every day and am grateful.”
Despite her advanced age, Hakoishi remains energetic. At the age of 104 in 2021, she even participated as a torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympics. Although she can no longer stand and work for long periods due to knee pain, whenever her old customers call, she promptly hurries to the shop and skillfully trims their hair.
Hakoishi stated, “Some customers even come from afar, so I hope to continue serving them as much as possible. If I can, I would like to strive until I reach 110.”
Having lived through the Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, she is often asked about the secret to her longevity. She shared with a smile, “I do morning exercises every day, walk at least 1000 steps daily, have a diet mainly consisting of vegetables for light and healthy eating. But most importantly, ‘have joyful conversations with customers’.”