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At 108 years old, Shitsui Hakoishi has earned her place in history as the world’s oldest barber, receiving official recognition from Guinness World Records. This remarkable Japanese woman continues to practice her craft with passion and precision despite her advanced age, inspiring people worldwide with her dedication and resilience.
A century-long journey in hairdressing
Born in rural Japan to a family of farmers, Shitsui Hakoishi discovered her passion for hairdressing during her teenage years. At just 14 years old, she made the bold decision to leave her countryside home and relocate to Tokyo to pursue her dream. There, she began working as an apprentice in a bustling salon, immersing herself in the art of hairdressing and demonstrating remarkable skill from an early age.
After four years of dedicated training, Hakoishi earned her professional certification, marking the beginning of her extraordinary career. Her journey reflects the determination many people need when pursuing their life’s passion, not unlike the persistence shown by people who face housing challenges later in life, such as those forced to live in tiny spaces due to financial constraints.
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In the 1930s, Hakoishi took a significant step forward in her professional journey by opening her own salon with her husband. Their business flourished as they built a loyal clientele, establishing themselves as trusted professionals in Tokyo’s hairdressing scene. This period represented the golden years of her early career, laying the foundation for her longevity in the profession.
While many people slow down as they reach their eighties or nineties, Hakoishi continued working well past 100 years of age. Her story gained international attention when, on March 6, 2025, she officially received recognition from Guinness World Records as the oldest practicing female barber globally.
Overcoming wartime tragedy
Hakoishi’s life story is not only one of professional achievement but also of remarkable resilience in the face of devastating personal tragedy. When World War II engulfed Japan, her husband was drafted into military service, where he ultimately lost his life fighting for his country. This heartbreaking loss forced Hakoishi to navigate grief while maintaining strength for her young family.
The war brought further devastation when American air forces bombed Tokyo, reducing her beloved salon to ashes. Before this destruction, Hakoishi had made the prudent decision to evacuate the capital with her two children, a decision that potentially saved their lives. This harrowing experience shows the same kind of emotional resilience seen in stories of long-lost pets reuniting with their owners after years of separation.
Rather than allowing these traumatic events to derail her career, Hakoishi demonstrated remarkable determination. Eight years after the war’s conclusion, she established a new salon in Nakagawa, where she continues to work to this day. This ability to rebuild after complete devastation showcases her extraordinary resilience and commitment to her craft.
During the recognition ceremony held in Nakagawa, Hakoishi expressed her joy at receiving the world record title. “I am very happy. My heart is filled with joy,” she stated, celebrating the moment alongside her two children, now 81 and 85 years old themselves. The event marked not just personal achievement but a celebration of her enduring legacy in the hairdressing profession.
Living legend of hairdressing
Despite now residing in a healthcare facility, Hakoishi maintains remarkable independence and continues to care for herself without assistance. Her physical and mental vitality at 108 years old astounds medical professionals and inspires people of all ages. While many celebrities face health challenges as they age, like the recent passing of beloved actors from major film franchises, Hakoishi defies expectations with her continued vigor.
The loyalty of Hakoishi’s clientele speaks volumes about her skill and personalized service. According to Guinness World Records, some of her former clients still call to schedule appointments, demonstrating the lasting impression she makes on those who sit in her chair. This level of customer dedication is rare in any industry and particularly remarkable for someone who has been practicing for nearly a century.
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Despite her record-breaking achievement, Hakoishi maintains humble aspirations for her future. She has indicated plans to retire in approximately two years, when she reaches the age of 110. This potential retirement would conclude an astonishing 96-year career in hairdressing, a tenure virtually unmatched in any profession worldwide.
When asked about her continued practice, Hakoishi responded with characteristic humility and determination: “I don’t know how long I can continue. But I will keep going as long as possible.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the work ethic and passion that have defined her extraordinary life and career.
Legacy of dedication and craft
Shitsui Hakoishi’s recognition by Guinness World Records has transformed her into a celebrity within Japan and an inspiration globally. Her story represents not just longevity but the power of finding and pursuing one’s passion throughout life’s many challenges and changes. From a teenage apprentice to a world record holder, her journey embodies dedication to craft in its purest form.
What makes Hakoishi’s achievement particularly remarkable is how she has adapted to changing hairstyle trends across nearly ten decades. She has witnessed and mastered styles from pre-war traditional Japanese cuts through post-war Western influences to contemporary techniques. This adaptability demonstrates not just skill but an openness to continuous learning regardless of age.
As news of her record spreads internationally, Hakoishi’s story offers a powerful counternarrative to societal assumptions about aging and retirement. She proves that passion and purpose need not diminish with advancing years and that meaningful work can continue well beyond conventional retirement age.
Through war, personal loss, and rebuilding, Shitsui Hakoishi has maintained her commitment to hairdressing with unwavering dedication. Her extraordinary journey from a 14-year-old apprentice to a 108-year-old world record holder stands as testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the timeless art of making others look and feel their best.
