A Japanese centenarian, Kokichi Akuzawa, has become the oldest person in the world to climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, at the age of 102. His remarkable feat was confirmed by Guinness World Records after he reached the summit on August 5.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Akuzawa admitted he almost abandoned the climb midway.
“I was really tempted to give up halfway through. Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well,” he said.
The veteran mountaineer made the climb alongside his 70-year-old daughter, granddaughter, her husband, and members of a local climbing club.
The group spent two nights camping on the trail before successfully reaching the 3,776-metre (12,388-foot) summit.
Years of Passion and Preparation
This was not Akuzawa’s first historic climb. At age 96, he previously held the record as the oldest person to scale Mount Fuji.
Since then, he has battled health challenges, including heart problems and a fall that required stitches.
Determined to return, Akuzawa trained for three months ahead of this year’s attempt, waking up at dawn for hour-long walks and climbing smaller mountains in Nagano prefecture.
A Lifelong Love for Mountains
Akuzawa’s connection to mountaineering dates back nearly nine decades.
Surrounded by paintings of mountains in his Maebashi home, he recalled that climbing was less about competition and more about friendship.
“I climb because I like it. It’s easy to make friends on the mountain,” he reflected.
The retired engineer and livestock specialist continued working until the age of 85 before devoting more time to hiking and painting.
Nearing the End of an Era
Despite the record-breaking feat, Akuzawa admitted this climb may have been his last attempt on Fuji.
“Mount Fuji isn’t a difficult mountain, but this time was harder than six years ago. I’ve never felt this weak. I’d love to keep climbing forever, but I guess I can’t anymore,” he said.
These days, the centenarian volunteers at a senior care centre and teaches painting.
His daughters are now urging him to capture Mount Fuji at sunrise on canvas as a tribute to his final climb.
AloJapan.com