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102-Year-Old Hiker Conquers Mount Fuji, Setting New Record
A centenarian hiker has achieved a remarkable feat, summiting Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji at the age of 102. Kokichi Akuzawa, accompanied by his 70-year-old daughter, Motoe, his granddaughter, and her husband and friends, reached the peak on August 5th, setting a new record for the oldest person to conquer the mountain.
Despite facing challenges including heart issues, shingles, and a climbing injury, Akuzawa persevered, attributing his success to the support of his companions. He underwent rigorous training in the months leading up to the climb, including daily walks and weekly mountain ascents. This isn’t Akuzawa’s first time setting this record; he previously climbed Mount Fuji at the age of 96.
While acknowledging the difficulty of this climb compared to his previous attempt, Akuzawa humbly downplayed the challenge of scaling Mount Fuji, describing it as “not a difficult mountain.” He expressed gratitude for the encouragement he received along the way, stating, “Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well. I managed to get through it because so many people supported me.”
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 12,388 feet, was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013 and attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers annually. Akuzawa’s inspiring achievement serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.