Japan is celebrating a remarkable feat of endurance and determination after 102-year-old Kokichi Akuzawa set a new Guinness World Record by becoming the oldest person ever to reach the summit of Mount Fuji. This unforgettable accomplishment, completed on August 5, 2025, marks his second time claiming the record, having previously done so at age 96.
Climbing Japan’s iconic 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) peak, Akuzawa was accompanied by a dedicated team including his 70-year-old daughter, granddaughter, and her husband, and several close friends from a local climbing club. The ascent took place over a three-day trek, with two nights spent camping along the way. Ahead of the climb, Akuzawa devoted three months to rigorous training—rising at 5 a.m. for long walks and scaling smaller mountains in his native Nagano Prefecture to build strength and stamina. Ahead of the climb, Akuzawa devoted three months to rigorous training—rising at 5 a.m. for long walks and scaling smaller mountains in his native Nagano Prefecture to build strength and stamina. Despite contending with heart issues, shingles, and recovery from a fall, he persevered with steely resolve.
During a post-climb interview, Akuzawa admitted, “I was really tempted to give up halfway through. Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well.” His words highlight the emotional depth of the achievement—at an age when most shy away from such challenges, he embraced the climb with humility and solidarity.
“Mount Fuji isn’t a difficult mountain, but this time was harder than six years ago. Harder than any mountain before… I’d long since passed my physical limit, and it was only thanks to everyone else’s strength that I made it,” he reflected.
Akuzawa has spent nearly nine decades drawn to mountaineering—his journey began as a teenager and has deep spiritual significance for him. “I climb because I like it… It’s easy to make friends on the mountain,” he shared. Earlier in life, he worked as an engine design engineer and later as a livestock artificial inseminator, retiring around age 85. Now, he devotes his time to volunteering and painting—the latter a passion he plans to channel into a sunrise depiction of Mount Fuji, perhaps capturing his final ascent on canvas.
