Being identical twins is already special, but the height difference between this pair of Japanese twins makes them even more unique.
On February 23, the Guinness World Records website published an article recognizing the remarkable height difference record of this Japanese twin sisters. They have an incredible height discrepancy of 75 cm.
These are Yoshie and Michie Kikuchi, who live in Okayama City, Japan. This pair of fraternal twins has set the Guinness World Record for the largest height difference among female twins who are not identical. While Yoshie stands at 162.5 cm, Michie is only 87.5 cm tall, resulting in a staggering 75 cm gap between them.
According to information in the Guinness World Records article, the Kikuchi sisters, who are fraternal twins resulting from the fertilization of two separate eggs, were born on October 15, 1989. Michie suffers from a condition called congenital spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a bone disorder that prevents her from growing taller.
Yoshie and Michie Kikuchi at birth.
Currently, Michie lives with her parents at a temple established by her father. She helps take care of the temple every day.
As for Yoshie, upon reaching adulthood, she got married and became a mother. Nevertheless, she still spends a lot of time visiting her parents and sister.
Michie was once an introverted person, partly because she felt insecure about her appearance. However, her perspective began to change when she learned about Chandra Bahadur Dangi, the shortest man in the world. After reading Chandra’s story, Michie started to consider setting a record for her own appearance.
She said: “I read the story about the shortest man in 2012, and I was shocked. There was a man out there ‘proudly’ displaying his height, while I felt embarrassed about my body.”
With a height of 87.5 cm, Michie cannot break the record for the shortest woman in the world, but she realizes that the height difference between her and her twin sister makes them incredibly unique.
Michie measuring her height.
Yoshie and Michie receiving the Guinness record.
To obtain the most accurate measurements, Yoshie and Michie’s heights were measured three times in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening. A qualified doctor was also present to ensure the accuracy of the measurements.
Although this title brings Michie great joy, it doesn’t erase the reality that her short stature causes her some inconveniences.
Even washing her hands can be a struggle because she cannot reach the faucet. When people stand around chatting, sometimes she has difficulty hearing. “And their saliva falls on me!”, Michie smiles.
In her free time, Michie enjoys crocheting. She also loves playing video games, especially with her sister and younger relatives.
Despite being twins, Yoshie and Michie have completely opposite personalities.
“We don’t have the telepathic ability that many other twins have. I always have to ask Michie to express her thoughts; otherwise, I won’t understand,” Yoshie says.
“Michie loves to wear pink so much that I can’t understand it, while I prefer darker colors. Michie is more prone to tears, while I tend to get angry more easily.”
Despite their differences and peculiar personality clashes, they still get along very well. Although they may argue at times, both sisters will stand up for each other when necessary.
Despite their differences and peculiar personality clashes, they still get along very well.
Michie sometimes faces bullying at school, but her older sister, who is in a different class, always rushes to her rescue. Michie’s parents have frequently sought advice, providing a wealth of information regarding their daughter’s health condition since her diagnosis, but Michie tries her best not to think too much about it to live happily.
The biggest challenge for Michie comes from the uncomfortable comments she sometimes receives from complete strangers. “If they just look at me, that’s fine, but if they point at me or mention my appearance, that makes me feel embarrassed,” she says.
Michie and Yoshie as children.
As for Yoshie, she does not see her sister’s condition as a disability. She says: “I have been with her for a long time, and I don’t see her as disabled. Michie still lives and is a normal person, just like anyone else.”
Now, the Guinness World Record holders, Yoshie and Michie, want to inspire courage in those with physical challenges.
“I know many people who have to live with various physical conditions. By setting a world record, I want to prove that there are people like me who are still living well, and everyone deserves that,” Michie Kikuchi says.
