A 107-year-old grandmother in Japan has been named as the world’s oldest working barber after serving hundreds of thousands of clients for more than 80 years.
Proud Shitsui Hakoishi opened her business when she became the family breadwinner after her husband died in World War II.
Now she is still trimming hair and beards at her salon in Nakagawa, the hometown where she raised her two children.
Shitsui’s achievements were recognised by the USA-based research firm LongeviQuest LLC, which celebrates the works of super-centenarians.
CEO Ben Meyers, CEO flew to Japan on 7th January to give Shitsui a certificate recognising her achievements.
Shy Shitsui said: “I couldn’t be happier and I’m speechless.”
When Meyers asked her to give advice for the young people in building their careers, she said: “It was hard, but I’ve worked single-mindedly since I was young while aiming to continue cutting hair for my entire life.
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“I hope they work hard without hesitation.”
Shitsui went to Tokyo when she was 14 and after marrying, she returned to her hometown of Nakagawa with her two children while her husband went to war.
As he left she says he told her: “Raise our children well.”
And when he didn’t come home she opened up her barber shop and is still serving around five customers a month, says local media.
Meyers, who said he had not had a haircut on purpose before the trip, had his hair cut and his beard shaved by Shitsui which he rated the best in his life.
Shitsui said: “I’m so happy to give a haircut to an American.
“It’s like a dream come true. I will continue to do my best.”
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Story By: Marija Stojkoska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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