Meet DJ Sumirock, the World’s Oldest DJ Who Started Her Career in Her 70s

Meet Sumiko Iwamuro: The World’s Oldest Professional Club DJ

Sumiko Iwamuro, also known as DJ Sumirock, is an 86-year-old Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest professional club DJ. Her incredible story is one of passion, perseverance, and a refusal to let age define her.

A Unique Career Path

Based in Tokyo, Sumiko runs a dumpling restaurant by day and DJs in clubs by night. She’s been actively DJing for over a decade, holding a monthly residency at the DecaBarZ nightclub in Shinjuku. This showcases her unwavering dedication to her craft.

A Diverse Musical Palette

Sumiko’s sets are known for their eclectic mix of techno, jazz, French chanson, and classical music. Her open-mindedness and willingness to experiment with different genres is truly remarkable for someone of her age, defying expectations and stereotypes.

From Dumplings to Decks

Sumiko’s DJ career began unexpectedly at age 77, when a friend held a techno party at her restaurant. Encouraged to try DJing, she enrolled in DJ school, overcoming significant challenges to achieve her goal. She now performs regularly at Tokyo DecaBar Z. Her DJ name, Sumirock, is a creative combination of her first and second names, chosen by her friends.

A Lifelong Love of Music

Sumiko’s passion for music is deeply rooted. As featured in the Midnight Asia docuseries, music has been a daily part of her life since youth, influenced by her father, a jazz drummer. She views music as essential, a sentiment many can relate to.

An Inspiring Social Media Presence

DJ Sumirock’s Instagram page showcases her ongoing passion, filled with images of her behind the decks, styling herself creatively, and connecting with fans. This demonstrates her continued engagement with life and her craft.

An Inspiration to Us All

Sumiko Iwamuro’s story serves as proof that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions. She exemplifies living life on her own terms, inspiring all of us to follow our dreams regardless of age.

Maintaining a Healthy DJ Lifestyle

For DJs, health and well-being are crucial for a successful career. The demanding nature of the profession requires careful attention to one’s physical and mental health. The following tips can help maintain health and career longevity:

• Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours).
• Stay hydrated.
• Take breaks to stretch and move around.
• Maintain good posture.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
• Protect your hearing by taking breaks from loud music and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Pack healthy snacks.
• Stay active and exercise regularly.
• Avoid late-night unhealthy food choices.
• Prioritize mental health through self-care.
• Maintain a clean workspace.
• Balance work and personal life.

Prioritizing health and well-being allows DJs to perform better, enjoy their work more, and have longer careers.

Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?