[Japanese Side] 100-Year-Old Pharmacist Grandma in Guinness Book... Oldest 'Active' Pharmacist

1923-born Hiruma Eiko... Registered in Guinness as the 'Oldest Active Pharmacist'
Works once a week to meet patients... Emphasizes 'Consultation Available to Everyone'

Although it is said nowadays that there is no such thing as a permanent job or workplace, it is still impressive to see people who steadfastly hold their positions. This week in Japan, the world's oldest pharmacist grandmother, who is listed in the Guinness World Records, has attracted attention. She has an astonishing 80 years of experience as a pharmacist. She still goes to the pharmacy to meet patients and listen to their stories. Today, we share the story of the world's oldest pharmacist grandmother, Hiruma Eiko.

Ms. Hiruma was born in Tokyo in 1923. Her father was a pharmacist. From a young age, after seeing patients who had been prescribed medicine by her father recover and express their gratitude, she decided to become a pharmacist and entered pharmacy school. She went on to continue the pharmacy business with her father in Tokyo.

The appearance of Hiruma Eiko. (Photo by Hiruma Pharmacy website)

At that time, there were many historical events, including air raids on Tokyo during World War II. As the conflict of the war escalated, she evacuated from Tokyo to Nagano, during which the pharmacy was completely burned down by the air raids. Nevertheless, determined to help people, she reopened the pharmacy in Tokyo in 1948 and worked there with her father.

Because there were few doctors, many people would visit the village pharmacy to see the pharmacist first instead of going to a hospital to see a doctor. Ms. Hiruma emphasized the importance of early detection of diseases and urged patients with serious symptoms to definitely visit a hospital. She kept the pharmacy open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, from morning until night. That has now become an 80-year career. In 2018, at the age of 95, she was listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest active pharmacist.

In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun, Ms. Hiruma said, "Eighty years have passed in the blink of an eye. I thought there was no other path for me, so I have never once thought about quitting." She still studies every time a new drug is released to provide prescriptions that keep up with younger pharmacists. In 2020, she took a brief break due to a leg fracture, but after returning, she still goes to the pharmacy once a week to meet patients in person even at the age of 100.

Mr. Hiruma, who returned after resting due to a leg fracture in 2020, is receiving a massage from his son. (Photo by Eiko Hiruma X)

She especially emphasizes focusing on diet and condition before treating with medicine when talking with patients. On the Hiruma Pharmacy website, it states, "We want to support people's lives from both medical and lifestyle aspects," and "We will do our best to provide the best support to keep you healthy." Already, more than 100,000 people have consulted at this pharmacy.

Additionally, prescriptions are accepted from any hospital nationwide in Japan, and it is a fundamental rule that patients can inquire about any questions regarding medicine at any time.

Notably, for hearing-impaired patients, medication guidance and consultations through sign language are available, and communication via tablet screen display or written notes is also possible. They encourage people not to hesitate to visit the pharmacy. It was impressive to see that even at 100 years old, she maintains the principle of caring for everyone's health.

Now, her son and grandson have inherited the pharmacy, continuing the business through four generations. However, she still wants to meet more patients in the field. Ms. Hiruma told Sankei, "The happiest moments are when patients come back with smiling faces saying they have recovered or their symptoms have improved," adding, "I want to continue being a pharmacist who meets patients."