Born in 1923, Kokichi Akuzawa climbed a mountain nearly every week as part of his training, which led him to the top of Japan’s highest peak.

Guinness World Records acknowledged his accomplishment in the beginning of August.

Akuzawa told AFP, “I am six years older than the last time I climbed,” in reference to his 96-year-old walk up the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) peak.

“I’ve been there a lot, and the view wasn’t particularly noteworthy,” he remarked.

“Last time, I also made it to the top.”

The retired livestock farmer from the central Gunma region teaches painting and volunteers at an elderly care facility. He is also an enthusiastic hiker.

After he stumbled while climbing a mountain close to his house in January, he became ill with shingles and was admitted to the hospital with heart failure, which prompted him to prepare for the ascent of Mount Fuji, which is also an active volcano.

His 75-year-old daughter Yukiko told AFP that although Akuzawa’s physical condition scared his family, he was adamant about climbing.

According to Yukiko, “his doctors could not believe how quickly he recovered.”

Akuzawa got up early every morning to go for an hour-long walk and trekked up a mountain nearly every week in order to get back in shape.

Despite spending two nights in shelters and extending his Mount Fuji trip across three days, Akuzawa nearly gave up due to the high altitude.

With the help of his traveling companions, including a granddaughter who works as a nurse, he was able to push his way to the top, according to Yukiko.

Akuzawa firmly said “no” when asked if he would like to climb Mount Fuji once more.