Japan's First Female Photo-Journalist, Still Active At 101, Reveals Her Secret

Tsuneko Sasamoto is Japan's first female photo-journalist. She just turned 101 and, despite having broken 2 legs and her left hand, is still shooting while on her way to recovery.

“You should never become lazy. It’s essential to remain positive about your life and never give up,” said Sasamoto. “You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward. That’s what I want people to know.”

Sasamoto was born in 1914, Tokyo. Instead of getting married and becoming a housewife as was common in those days, she resisted the pressure and became a photo-journalist, documenting pre- and post-war Japan since her early 20s.

More info: amazon (h/t: petapixel, zaikeinews)

"I haven't talked about my age up to now, people often think I'm 20 years younger," says Sasamoto

Image Credits: 90thsite

"I feel if I tell people I'm 100 years old, they will say 'Can you still push the shutter button, or 'Can you still see okay?'"

Image Credits: 90thsite

"It’s essential to remain positive about your life and never give up"

Image Credits: Satoko Kawasaki

Dome in Hirosima after bombing, 1953

Image Credits: Tsuneko Sasamoto

Geisha School, 1951

Image Credits: Tsuneko Sasamoto

Antarctic ship Soya, 1956

Image Credits: Tsuneko Sasamoto

Delegation of Hitler Youth who visited Japan in 1940

Image Credits: Tsuneko Sasamoto

"You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward"

Image Credits: 90thsite & amazon Image Credits: Satoko Kawasaki

An interview with Sasamoto shortly before her 100th birthday