Shitsui Hakoishi, WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN BARBER EVER, dies at 109
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is saddened to reported that Mrs. Shitsui Hakoishi [Japanese: 箱石シツイ; née Saitō (齋藤)], the WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN BARBER EVER, sadly passed away in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan on 1 September 2026 at the final age of 109 years and 295 days.
Shitsui Hakoishi was born as Shitsui Saitō (齋藤シツイ) in Ouchi Village (now part of the town of Nakagawa), Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, on 10 November 1916 (Taishō 5), as the third daughter of a farming family. She moved to Tokyo at the age of 14, obtained her barber’s license at the age of 19, and worked in barbershops in Ginza and Yotsuya, Tokyo, at a time when female barbers were rare.
In 1939, at the age of 22, she married to her husband, Jirō Hakoishi (箱石二郎, 1914–1945), and the couple had two children, daughter Mitsuko (充子, born 1940) and son Hidemasa (英政, 1943–2026). Jirō went to war in the Pacific War and was killed in action in Manchuria, aged only 31. During the war, Shitsui evacuated to her hometown and, in 1953, at the age of 36, opened her home and shop, “Hakoishi Barbershop” (理容ハコイシ), at its current location. While running the barbershop, she raised her two children.
Even after turning 100, she never let go of her scissors and comb, cutting hair for regular customers and those who heard about her reputation. On 28 March 2021, at the age of 104, she served as a torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. On 5 March 2025, at the age of 108 years and 115 days, she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the WORLD’S OLDEST ACTIVE FEMALE BARBER.
On 31 May 2025, at the age of 108 years and 202 days, she surpassed the final age of Mr. Anthony Mancinelli (USA, 2 March 1911 – 19 September 2019) and became the oldest known barber ever in the world’s history.
Shitsui has been living in a nursing home in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture since December 2024, but she would return to the barber shop if she had an appointment. However, her barber shop has been closed since April 2025 because it has become difficult for her to assume the posture required for cutting hair.
On 10 November 2025, Shitsui celebrated her 109th birthday at her nursing home, became the first known barber in the world to reach this age.
On 25 August 2026, Shitsui Hakoishi suffered a stroke at her nursing home in Utsunomiya City and was rushed to a hospital in the same city, but passed away at 1:20 PM on 1 September, at the age of 109 years and 295 days, around two months away from her 110th birthday. Her funeral will be held on 6 September, at a funeral home in Utsunomiya City. At the time of her death, she was also the oldest living person in Tochigi Prefecture.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Shitsui Hakoishi during this difficult time.
LINKS
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2. 「世界最高齢の女性理容師」ギネス認定 箱石シツイさん109歳死去
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