March 5, 2025 – Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. A Guinness World Records recognition ceremony was held in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, where 108-year-old Shitsui Hakoishi was recognized as the world’s oldest active female barber. The event was attended by an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records Japan, who presented Mrs. Hakoishi with the official certificate. Photo source: Shimotsuke Shimbun (下野新聞)
This official recognition follows a previous honor in January 2024, when LongeviQuest CEO Ben Meyers visited Mrs. Hakoishi to present a plaque acknowledging her as the world’s oldest active barber according to LongeviQuest’s research.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Barbering
Born on November 10, 1916, in Ouchi Village (now part of Nakagawa), Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture, Mrs. Hakoishi began her barbering career at the age of 14. She moved to Tokyo for training and obtained her barber’s certification in 1936. In 1939, she married fellow barber Jirō Hakoishi, and together they opened a barbershop in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
The couple had two children: a daughter, Mitsuko (充子), born in 1940, and a son, Hidemasa (英政), born in 1943. However, during World War II, her husband was drafted into military service. In December 1944, on the eve of the Great Air Raid of Shinjuku, Mrs. Hakoishi evacuated to her hometown of Nasu, narrowly escaping the devastation.
For the next few years, she made a modest living by setting up a simple barbershop in a local tobacco-drying shed, where she provided haircuts for nearby residents. Although conditions were tough, she remained determined to support her children.
It was not until 1953, eight years after the war, that she finally received confirmation of her husband’s death in battle. The devastating news left her in deep despair, and for a time, she struggled to find the will to carry on. However, she eventually recalled the last words her husband had spoken before leaving for war—”Take good care of our children.” Holding on to those words, she resolved to rebuild her life for the sake of her family.
With renewed determination, she opened a new barbershop in August 1953, reestablishing her profession in a more permanent setting.
In the postwar years, when electricity and running water were not yet fully available in the countryside, Mrs. Hakoishi worked relentlessly to keep her barbershop running. Her son, Hidemasa (英政), played a crucial role in supporting her from a young age—fetching water from the well for washing customers’ hair and preparing meals for his mother, who worked from early morning until late at night. Together, they managed the shop as a devoted mother-and-son team, overcoming hardships and building a lasting legacy.
Thanks to the skills she had honed in Tokyo, Mrs. Hakoishi quickly gained a reputation as an exceptional barber in the town. Her precise technique and warm service attracted many customers, and from morning to night, she was always busy with clients. Her shop became a trusted establishment, and she continued her work with dedication, walking the path of a barber loved by the local community.
(Source: Guinness World Records)
Commitment to Health and Community
She also makes a habit of walking about 500 steps every day to keep herself active. Additionally, she emphasizes eating in moderation, avoiding excessive indulgence while ensuring a balanced diet. These steady efforts have helped her maintain her well-being and independence as she has grown older.
Beyond her personal health, Mrs. Hakoishi has remained connected to her community through her work. Her barbershop has long been a familiar place in Nasu, where she has served customers for decades. Even in her later years, she has continued working with care, valuing the conversations and relationships she has built with those who visit her shop.
In 2021, at the age of 104, she participated as a torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympics, carrying the torch for a 200-meter segment. This experience was a meaningful moment for her, and she took part with a sense of gratitude for her long and active life.
Mrs. Hakoishi’s approach to staying active, maintaining good habits, and continuing to do what she loves has been key to her long and fulfilling career.
Hakoishi-san giving a haircut to Ben Meyers, the CEO of LongeviQuest. (Photo taken on January 7, 2024)
Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone
LongeviQuest sincerely congratulates Mrs. Hakoishi and her family on this remarkable achievement. Having had the privilege of recognizing her last year, we are honored to have been part of the journey that led to this official recognition and are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her incredible dedication and lifelong passion for barbering.
Additionally, both LongeviQuest CEO Ben Meyers and LongeviQuest Japan President Yumi Yamamoto (山本優美) have had the rare and memorable experience of having their hair cut by Mrs. Hakoishi, the world’s oldest active barber. This firsthand experience has left a lasting impression, further deepening our admiration for her skill and dedication.
We extend our heartfelt wishes for her continued health and happiness in the years ahead.
