Japanese woman, 108, recognized as world’s oldest female barber

​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - A 108-year-old Japanese woman was officially Wednesday as the world's oldest female barber by the Guinness World Records, Kyodo News reported.

Shitsui Hakoishi, from the eastern Tochigi Prefecture, received her certificate of recognition at a venue where neighbors and customers celebrated.

"Life has been full of hardships since I was young, but I'm truly happy," said Hakoishi.

She began her journey as a hairdresser in a Tokyo barbershop at the age of 14, later obtaining her barber's license in 1936.

She opened a barber shop with her husband, who was also a barber but had to leave the establishment after it was destroyed in an air bombardment.

She set up a small shop at home while raising two young children after her husband died in World War II.

She also participated as a torchbearer in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics torch relay.

Despite suffering from knee pain, she still demonstrates her skills whenever she receives customers.

"Some people travel from far away to see me, so I want to keep going as long as I can," she said.