MAEBASHI, Japan (AP) — Kokichi Akuzawa, at the impressive age of 102, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the oldest person to summit Mount Fuji. This accomplishment, which garnered official recognition from Guinness World Records, took place on August 5, 2025. During a recent interview with The Associated Press, Akuzawa disclosed the challenges he faced on the ascent, admitting that he was tempted to abandon the climb partway through. However, encouragement from friends propelled him to reach the summit, underscoring the importance of support from loved ones.

Accompanying Akuzawa on this historic climb were his 70-year-old daughter, Motoe, and several relatives and friends from a local mountain climbing club. Prior to reaching the peak of Japan’s tallest mountain, which stands at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), the climbing group camped for two nights on the trail, preparing for their challenging journey.

In an insightful moment of reflection during the interview, Akuzawa conveyed his astonishment at his climbing abilities despite his age, stating, "I'm impressed I climbed so well." He communicated with the assistance of his 75-year-old daughter, Yukiko, who acted as an intermediary due to her father's hearing difficulties. Akuzawa expressed a profound appreciation for the mountains, asserting that he does not take them for granted at his advanced age and stating, "It’s better to climb while you still can."

This recent ascent was not Akuzawa's first record-breaking achievement at Mount Fuji; he had previously set the record at 96 years old as the oldest person to successfully scale the iconic mountain. The six years since that first climb have not been without setbacks, as Akuzawa battled health issues including heart problems and shingles, along with recovering from stitches obtained during a climbing fall.

In preparation for the latest climb, Akuzawa dedicated three months to training, rising at 5 a.m. for hour-long walks and tackling approximately one mountain each week, predominantly in Nagano prefecture, located to the west of Gunma, central Japan. Reflecting on his long-standing passion for climbing, he noted that 88 years ago, it was not merely the thrill of reaching the summit that drew him to the mountains; rather, it was the companionship and camaraderie found among fellow climbers that kept him returning.

Professionally, Akuzawa excelled in several fields. He served as an engine design engineer and later transitioned into the role of a livestock artificial inseminator, a profession he continued until the age of 85. He emphasized the equality found in the mountains, stating, "Whether you liked studying or not, you could enjoy the mountain just the same," highlighting that intelligence bore no significance among climbers.

As Akuzawa’s strength has naturally diminished over the years, he has become increasingly reliant on assistance from companions during climbs. He remarked that this latest attempt was more arduous than his previous climb six years ago, acknowledging, "I’ve never felt this weak," although he did not experience any pain. He attributed his success in reaching the summit to the support and strength of his team, stating, "I’d long since passed my physical limit."

When questioned about future climbs, Akuzawa expressed a desire to continue climbing but recognized the limitations posed by his age, indicating a shift in focus to less demanding peaks such as Mount Akagi, which towers at 1,828 meters (5,997 feet) versus Fuji’s height. Currently, Akuzawa dedicates time to volunteering at a senior care facility and teaches painting in his home studio, illustrating his active engagement with life despite his age.

Akuzawa’s enthusiasm for both mountaineering and painting reflects a commitment to pursuing passions that provide a sense of peace and fulfillment. He shared that both activities offer a unique opportunity for individuals to create something meaningful along their journeys. With his daughters encouraging him to capture the beauty of Mount Fuji at sunrise as part of his artwork collection, Akuzawa expressed a wish to paint scenes from his final summit experience, encapsulating special memories as he reflects on his climbing legacy.