As they always say, learning never stops -- no matter how old you are.
That is exactly the case for this 96-year-old Japanese man who just received his diploma at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.
Born on Sept. 1, 1919, Shigemi Hirata received a Bachelor of Arts degree in March, at age 96 years and 200 days.
“I am genuinely happy. Learning is always fun at any age,” said Hirata, who met reporters at his home in Takamatsu, displaying his new Guinness World Records certificate.
Hirata enlisted in the university’s correspondence study program in 2005 when he was 85 to pursue the study of pottery, a hobby he took up after becoming a pensioner. Although most of his studies were done at home, he occasionally attended classes at the university’s campus in Kyoto.
“My longevity is something like destiny. I am blessed with people (I have met),” said Hirata, who has two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Born in neighboring Hiroshima Prefecture, Hirata was in the navy during World War II and worked in a hospital after the war.
“My next goal is to live until 100,” he said, before cracking a joke. “If I’m still in good shape at the time, I will consider going to graduate school.”
Source: The Japan Times
Image: The Etemaad
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