Who Is Shigeko Kagawa? Meet Japan’s Oldest Living Person at 114

Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old retired physician from Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture, has officially become Japan’s oldest living person, following the recent death of 114-year-old Miyoko Hiroyasu, according to a statement by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

A Life Dedicated to Medicine and Service

Born in 1911, Shigeko Kagawa’s life has spanned eras of war, peace, and modernization in Japan. She graduated from medical school before World War II and served at a hospital in Osaka during the war. Afterward, she continued her service to society by running her family’s clinic as an obstetrician and gynecologist for decades, finally retiring at the age of 86.

An Olympic Torchbearer at 109

In a remarkable display of vitality, Kagawa made international headlines when she became one of the oldest torchbearers in Olympic history during the Tokyo 2021 Olympic torch relay, at age 109.

Her Secret to Longevity?

When asked by TOS News in 2023 about the secret to her long life, Kagawa responded with a smile:

“I don’t have any. I just play every day. My energy is my greatest asset. I go where I want, eat what I want and do what I want. I’m free and independent.”

Following in the Footsteps of Miyoko Hiroyasu

Shigeko Kagawa takes the title previously held by Miyoko Hiroyasu, also 114 at the time of her passing. Born in 1911, Hiroyasu was an artist and teacher in Hiroshima Prefecture, raising three children. She died peacefully in a nursing home in Oita Prefecture, where she spent her final years sketching, reading newspapers, and playing card games. On her 113th birthday, she said: “I am grateful to be healthy.”

Japan’s Growing Elderly Population

Japan is known for having one of the world’s highest life expectancies. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of September 1, 2024:

• 29% of the population (around 36 million people) were aged 65 or older.

• 10% of the population were aged 80 or above.

• Japan had 95,119 centenarians—a record high.

Despite the country’s overall population decline, the elderly population continues to grow, making figures like Shigeko Kagawa both remarkable and symbolic of national trends.

A Legacy of Strength and Independence

Shigeko Kagawa’s story is more than just numbers. It’s about resilience, dedication to service, and a spirit of independence that continues to inspire across generations. As she steps into the role of Japan’s oldest living person, her legacy reminds us of the power of purposeful living and the richness of a life well-lived.