102-Year-Old Climber Conquers Mount Fuji Again, Setting New Record
Kokichi Akuzawa has become the oldest person to reach the summit of Mount Fuji at the age of 102, despite nearly abandoning the climb along the way.
“I was close to stopping midway,” Akuzawa admitted. “The final stretch was difficult, but with encouragement from friends, I pushed through. Their support kept me going.”
Akuzawa was accompanied by his 70-year-old daughter Motoe, his granddaughter, her husband, and four fellow climbers. His feat has been confirmed by Guinness World Records.
The group spent two nights camping before their ascent on 5 August to Fuji’s peak, standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet).
“I’m surprised I did so well,” he said, speaking with the help of his 75-year-old daughter Yukiko, who relayed questions to him due to his hearing difficulties. Akuzawa noted that climbing at his age was no easy feat. “Best to go while you still can.”
This wasn’t Akuzawa’s first record on Mount Fuji. At 96, he became the oldest to scale it, overcoming heart problems, shingles, and injuries from a fall in the years since.
Before the climb, Akuzawa trained for three months, waking at 5 a.m. for daily walks and tackling smaller mountains weekly, often in Nagano.
At his home in Maebashi, roughly 150 miles (241 km) northwest of Tokyo, surrounded by mountain paintings and family, Akuzawa reflected on his lifelong passion for climbing, which began 88 years ago. While summits held appeal, it was the camaraderie that kept him returning.
“I climb because I love it,” he said. “The mountain brings people together.”
Previously an engine design engineer and later a livestock artificial inseminator—a job he held until 85—Akuzawa emphasized that mountains welcome everyone equally.
“It didn’t matter if you were smart or a good student. On the mountain, we were all the same, moving forward together.”
Though he once preferred solo climbs, Akuzawa now relies on others’ help. His latest ascent, he said, was his toughest yet.
“Fuji isn’t difficult, but this time was harder than ever. I’ve never felt so weak. I wasn’t in pain, but my stamina was gone. I was beyond my limit—without everyone’s help, I wouldn’t have made it.
“I’d climb forever if I could, but I think I’ve reached my limit. Now, I’m at Mount Akagi’s level,” he said, referring to the nearby 1,828-meter (5,997-foot) peak.
These days, Akuzawa volunteers at a senior center and teaches art from his home studio.
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