Japan’s Oldest Citizen Shigeko Kagawa Dies At 115; Walking Credited For Longevity
Walking and staying active remained central to Kagawa’s remarkable longevity.
Japan’s oldest living resident, Shigeko Kagawa, died in Nara Prefecture on August 27 at the age of 115 years and 91 days. Kagawa became Japan’s oldest living person following the death of a 114-year-old woman from Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, on July 29, 2025. Her death marks the end of an extraordinary life spanning more than 11 decades.
Kagawa’s longevity attracted attention, but she did not credit her long life to any unusual secret. She reportedly highlighted simple habits such as walking and keeping the brain active. Her family also noted that she maintained a regular routine and ate three proper meals a day, suggesting that consistency and activity remained important parts of her daily life.
A retired physician, Kagawa had spent much of her life working as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. She recalled that her medical career kept her constantly active, with frequent house calls late at night and on days off. She travelled to patients’ homes to deliver babies and provide emergency care, a demanding routine that she believed helped maintain her energy.
Also Read: Amritsar Airport Closed Temporarily After Drone Scare; Seven Incoming Flights Diverted
Born in May 1911, Kagawa studied medicine during the 1930s and graduated from Osaka Women’s Medical College as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. She continued treating patients through World War II and the decades that followed, eventually running a private clinic in Yamatokoriyama. Her career involved caring for thousands of patients while maintaining a strong commitment to medical service.
Kagawa also remained active in public life after her medical career. In 2021, at the age of 109, she participated as a torchbearer in the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay. Accompanied by her family, she took part in the relay wearing the official uniform and stood up to pass the flame, an appearance that brought international attention to her remarkable age and vitality.
Kagawa leaves behind a legacy shaped by medicine, activity and a positive outlook on ageing. Her own reflections suggested there was no single formula behind her extraordinary lifespan. Instead, regular meals, physical activity, mental engagement, meaningful work and a consistent routine formed the simple principles she associated with staying energetic throughout her long life.
Also Read: US Ambassador Sergio Gor Announces NASA’s Invitation To ISRO For Moon Base Collaboration
