In a truly inspiring display of human endurance and spirit, a 102-year-old man from Japan has become a new Guinness World Records holder. Kokichi Akuzawa, at the age of 102 years and 51 days, reached the summit of Mount Fuji, becoming the oldest person to climb Mount Fuji (male).
The ascent of Japan’s tallest peak, which stands at a formidable 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), is a challenging feat for even the most experienced mountaineers. For Akuzawa, the accomplishment is even more remarkable as he undertook the climb after a serious health scare, having fought his way back to health from heart failure earlier this year.
Akuzawa, the honorary chairman of the Gunma Mountaineering Club, is no stranger to mountain climbing, as he undertakes a climb almost every week. He had previously summited Mount Fuji at the age of 96 and conquered the 1,272-meter Nabewariyama in 2022 to celebrate his 99th birthday.
However, this time, his goal was singular: to do something no one his age had done before. He began the climb on August 3, taking a slow and steady approach over three days, staying in mountain huts along the way to acclimate to the high altitude. After a grueling final day, he reached the summit on August 5, filled with a sense of relief and accomplishment.
Akuzawa’s record-breaking climb serves as a powerful testament to the idea that age is simply a number when faced with a strong will and a passion for life. His remarkable achievement is an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and courage, even the loftiest of peaks can be conquered.
