Japanese grandmother Fumiko Shibata. Not only is Japanese grandmother Fumiko Shibata (pictured right) a centenarian, but she is also a "rising star" in the poetry world. She still has a great passion for life and has written in her poems: "Even at ninety, one must still fall in love." Since 2009, she has published two collections of poetry, with total sales nearing 2 million copies.
The sales of her poetry collection have approached 2 million. In late 2009, Shibata published her first poetry collection, "Don't Give Up," which quickly entered the top ten bestsellers list in Japan for 2010, with sales surpassing 1.5 million copies.
"Don't Give Up" contains 42 poems, including "Everyone's Dreams Are Equal," "Relax," and "Don't Rush." Shibata said that these poems were written to express gratitude to those who care for and look after her.
According to Kyodo News on the 10th, Shibata said, "Because of the love of many people, there is the me of today." She also previously told Reuters, "I am alive today thanks to the concern of my family, friends, caregivers, and doctors. I want to turn my gratitude into verses and tell them: 'Thank you, I am really happy.'"
Shibata's second poetry collection, "A Hundred Years Old," was published during her hundredth birthday celebration in the middle of this year, and has already sold over 400,000 copies. She joked, "When writing poems, I didn't pay attention to my age. When I saw the finished book, I suddenly remembered that I am already 100 years old."
Started writing poetry at 92
Shibata was born in Mokken Prefecture. During the Tokyo Great Air Raid of World War II, she escaped with her nursing child. The tough post-war life left many painful and tragic memories, but she still contentedly says, "I am very happy."
Shibata was once obsessed with traditional Japanese dance, but as she aged, she experienced back pain and had to give it up. Nineteen years ago, her husband passed away, and she lived alone in her home in the suburbs of Tokyo. At the age of 92, encouraged by her son, she began writing poetry.
"When my first poem was printed in lead type, I was extremely happy," she said. "I sent another poem to the newspaper, and it was also published, so I kept writing."
She said that inspiration usually comes when she is 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 verses."
Mirror and lipstick always nearby
Even though she is over a hundred years old, Shibata still brims with passion for life, keeping a mirror and lipstick close at hand. She believes that life is just beginning, and the pursuit of beauty never stops. In her poem "Secret," Shibata expresses a youthful sentiment: "I am in love. I have dreams. I want to fly among the clouds."
Shibata's poetry has deeply inspired many people. A 70-year-old reader wrote in a letter to Shibata: "You gave me the courage and dreams to continue living."
Jing Jing (special report to our newspaper from Xinhua)