At 102, Kokichi Akuzawa Becomes Oldest to Climb Mount Fuji
In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Kokichi Akuzawa, aged 102, has become the oldest man to summit Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic peak. His ascent, completed on August 5, 2025, has been officially recognized by the Guinness World Records, reaffirming that age is no barrier to setting new heights—literally and metaphorically.
Mr. Akuzawa, a seasoned mountaineer, faced several health setbacks in the years leading up to this record-breaking climb, including heart issues, shingles, and recovering from a climbing fall that required stitches. Yet, none of these challenges deterred him from taking on Mount Fuji’s 3,776-meter summit once more.
“I was really tempted to give up halfway through,” he admitted. But thanks to his family and friends, he found the strength to push forward. Climbing with his 70-year-old daughter, granddaughter, her husband, and members of a local mountain climbing club, the journey became both a personal challenge and a celebration of intergenerational support.
Preparing for the climb required immense physical commitment. Akuzawa spent three months training, starting his days at 5 a.m. with hour-long walks and tackling one mountain each week in the mountainous Nagano prefecture. This training regime highlights not only his discipline but also the planning needed for high-altitude climbing—even more so at his age.
Despite his previous record at age 96, this climb was tougher, underscoring how each year brings new challenges for older climbers. Yet Akuzawa still found joy and pride in his achievement:
“I am impressed that I climbed so well.”
This wasn’t Akuzawa’s first brush with records. He originally earned the title of oldest Mount Fuji climber at age 96, setting a benchmark that few could imagine surpassing—until he did so himself, six years later.
His achievement is not just a personal victory, but a national moment of inspiration in Japan, a country known for its aging population. It challenges stereotypes about aging and underscores the potential of lifelong fitness and mental tenacity.
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