FOCUS: Meet Ayako Ichiyama, the Centenarian

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Editor’s Note: FOCUS is a multimedia series that highlights the diversity and depth of our community through interviews and photographs.

Ayako Ichiyama has plenty of stories to tell from the past 102 years.

Growing up on the Big Island, she recounted tales of picking poha and tangerines, camping on beaches and helping out at her parents’ store on the Hamakua Coast.

The humble centenarian lives with family in Honolulu now, but still stays busy. She goes to the Moiliili Community Center at least five days a week where she exercises, makes crafts and socializes.

Ichiyama said she never really thought about what her secret is to such a long life. Part of it might have to do with making a habit of surrounding herself with nice, caring people.

Listen to her story:

Got the perfect person for FOCUS? Email Nathan Eagle at neagle@civilbeat.com.

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