Japan has a new living testament to longevity. Shigeko Kagawa, a retired physician from Nara Prefecture, has officially become the country’s oldest living person at age 114, according to an announcement by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. She assumes the title following the recent passing of Miyoko Hiroyasu, also aged 114, in Oita Prefecture.
Kagawa, a quietly celebrated figure in Japanese society, is no stranger to historic milestones. At 109, she made international headlines as one of the oldest participants in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic torch relay, symbolizing resilience and vitality during the COVID-delayed Games.
Born in the early 20th century, Kagawa graduated from medical school prior to World War II and went on to serve at a hospital in Osaka during the war years. She later operated her family’s medical clinic as an obstetrician and gynecologist before retiring at age 86.
Despite her remarkable lifespan, Kagawa’s family says she has no secret elixir for health just consistent habits. According to local broadcaster MBS News, she follows a disciplined daily routine, eating three modest meals each day and maintaining fixed sleeping hours.
A Nation of the Elderly
Kagawa’s achievement highlights a broader demographic trend. Japan leads the world in elderly population ratios, with 29% of its citizens aged 65 or older, and 10% aged 80 or above, as of September 1, 2024. The country now boasts over 95,000 centenarians, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Her predecessor, Miyoko Hiroyasu, embodied similar values of purpose and discipline. A former art teacher born in 1911, Hiroyasu remained mentally active until her final days, enjoying newspapers, sketching, and card games at a nursing facility in Oita Prefecture. On her 113th birthday, she remarked, “I am grateful to be healthy.”
As Japan grapples with the social and economic challenges of a rapidly aging population, figures like Shigeko Kagawa serve as inspiring examples of endurance, dedication, and grace—etched across more than a century of lived experience.
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