A 108-year-old woman from Japan has been officially named the world’s oldest female barber by Guinness World Records, with no plans of slowing down as she aims to keep working until she’s at least 110.
Shitsui Hakoishi, born in 1916, began her career at just 14 years old after accepting an apprenticeship offer at a Tokyo hair salon. Over nine decades later, she still handles her scissors and continues to work in her salon located in Nakagawa, Tochigi, where she moved after surviving the bombings of Tokyo during World War II.
This week, Hakoishi celebrated her new title in a ceremony attended by her two children, now aged 85 and 81.
Reflecting on her long career and recognition, she shared, “I’m very happy. My heart is full.”
Despite living in a care home, Hakoishi remains independent and active. In 2021, she even took part as a torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympics, completing a 200-metre walk.
Guinness World Records confirmed that the previous record holder for the oldest male barber, Anthony Mancinelli of New York, worked until age 107 before his passing.
As she approaches her 109th birthday, Hakoishi says her goal is simple: to keep working hard and doing what she loves.
