Japanese grandmother柴田丰. Not only is Japanese grandmother柴田丰a centenarian, but also a "newcomer" in the poetry world. She still has a great passion for life and wrote in her poetry: "Even at ninety, I want to fall in love." Since 2009, she has published two collections of poems one after another, with total sales nearing 2 million copies.
Poetry collection sales nearing 2 million
In late 2009,柴田published her first collection of poems《Don't Lose Heart》, which immediately entered the top ten bestseller list in Japan in 2010, with sales quickly exceeding 1.5 million copies.
《Don't Lose Heart》contains 42 poems, including《Everyone's Dreams Are Equal》,《Relax》,《Don't Be In Too Much Of A Hurry》and others. 柴田said that these poems were written to express gratitude to those who care for and look after her.
The Japanese Kyodo News Agency reported on the 10th quoting柴田as saying: "Because of the love of so many people, there is the me of today." She also said in an earlier interview with Reuters: "I am alive today thanks to the concern of my family, friends, caregivers, and doctors. I want to turn my gratitude into poetry and tell them: 'Thank you, I am really happy.'"
柴田's second collection of poems《One Hundred Years Old》was published this year to coincide with her hundredth birthday, and has already sold more than 400,000 copies. She joked: "When writing poetry, I didn't pay attention to my age. Seeing the finished book, it suddenly occurred to me that I am already 100 years old."
Started writing poetry at 92
柴田was born in Moku County. During the Tokyo Great Air Raid of World War II, she fled with her breastfeeding child. The tough life after the war left many painful and tragic memories, but she still said contentedly, "I am very happy."
柴田was once obsessed with traditional Japanese dance, but as she got older, her back started to hurt, forcing her to give it up. Her husband passed away 19 years ago, and she has lived alone in her home in the suburbs of Tokyo ever since. At the age of 92, encouraged by her son, she began to write poetry.
"I was extremely happy when my first poem was printed," she said, "I sent another poem to the newspaper, it was also published, so I kept writing."
She said that inspiration usually comes to her while lying in bed or sitting at home. "Different memories come to mind: the past, my family, my current life. I immerse myself in these memories and draw inspiration from them, turning them into poetry."
Mirror and lipstick always nearby
Although she is over a hundred years old,柴田still has a great passion for life, with a mirror and lipstick always within reach. She believes that life has just begun, and the pursuit of beauty never stops. In her poem《Secret》,柴田expresses a maiden-like sentiment: "I am immersed in love. I have dreams. I want to fly among the clouds."
柴田's poems have greatly inspired many people. A 70-year-old reader wrote to柴田in a letter: "You have given me the courage and dreams to continue living."
Jing Jing (special contribution to our newspaper from Xinhua News Agency)