A Record-Breaking Climb That Defies Time
Kokichi Akuzawa, a 102-year-old Japanese man, has set a Guinness World Record by becoming the oldest person to summit Mount Fuji on August 5, 2025, surpassing his own previous record set at age 96.
Preparation, Perseverance, and Physical Challenge
Despite contending with age-related health issues— including heart problems, shingles, and a climbing injury—Akuzawa trained rigorously for three months prior to his ascent. His routine involved early 5 a.m. walks and weekly climbs of smaller mountains near Nagano Prefecture.
A Journey Shared with Family and Friends
Accompanied by his 70-year-old daughter Motoe, his granddaughter, her husband, and four members of a local mountain club, Akuzawa completed the climb over three days and two nights along the Yoshida route. On the summit, his 75-year-old daughter Yukiko helped relay questions to him due to his hearing challenges.
Simple Pleasures in a Grand Achievement
Reflecting on his feat, Akuzawa said, “I was really tempted to give up halfway through… I managed to get through it because so many people supported me.” Though he acknowledged the mountain itself wasn’t necessarily tough, he noted that the climb was more difficult than his previous attempt.
Life Beyond the Mountain
Akuzawa is a former engine design engineer who worked as a livestock artificial inseminator until age 85. His love for nature led him to mountaineering and later, painting—now, he volunteers and teaches art. His home in Maebashi is adorned with mountain landscape paintings, and he hopes to depict Mount Fuji’s sunrise from his summit stories before he steps down from climbing.
Why This Matters
This achievement transcends a simple sporting milestone—it celebrates human spirit, resilience, and the power of community support. Akuzawa’s climb is a testament to strength and determination, reminding us that age may limit the body, but not the heart.
