Still going strong at 100, centenarian poet Toyo Shibata published her second anthology on Sept. 13, with many poems focusing on the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11.
Shibata turned 100 in June.
Her first collection, "Kujikenaide" (Don't give up), was a bestseller, with more than 1.5 million copies sold.
Her latest anthology, "Hyakusai" (100 years), brings together the 26 poems she created since the first collection that Shibata self-published when she was 98.
It also includes photos and an interview with Shibata that contains her thoughts on turning 100.
One poem expresses empathy with the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
I beg of you
Please do not allow your soul
To also be swept away
Another poem was written for use in a poster produced by the Saitama prefectural police warning people to be on their guard against money transfer scam artists.
The first thing
Is to remain calm
(abbreviated)
It is important
To pay attention
In the poem that is used as the title of the anthology, Shibata writes,
I want to run past with pride
The goal of 100 years
Shibata continues to live by herself in Utsunomiya, although she depends on a home helper to assist her with daily chores.
According to her eldest son, Kenichi, 66, Shibata has slowed the pace at which she writes poetry, although her creative drive remains strong.
"Hyakusai" is available from Asukashinsha Publishing Co. The 108-page book costs 952 yen ($12), before tax.
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