The Current Oldest Person in Japan
As of September 2025, the oldest living Japanese person is Shigeko Kagawa, who resides in Nara Prefecture. Born on May 28, 1911, she is 114 years old and has been officially recognized by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). Kagawa took on the title after the passing of her predecessor, Miyoko Hiroyasu, in July 2025.
Life and Habits of Shigeko Kagawa
Shigeko Kagawa's life offers insights into potential factors contributing to her exceptional longevity. Before retiring at age 86, she had a long and distinguished career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, running her family's clinic. During the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, she became one of the oldest torchbearers in history at 109 years old. According to reports from her family, her lifestyle includes maintaining a regular routine, eating three proper but small meals a day, reading newspapers, watching television, and practicing calligraphy. Her story highlights that a long life isn't necessarily a sedentary one, but often involves consistent, moderate activity and purpose, or ikigai.
The World of Japanese Supercentenarians
Japan has a deep history of supercentenarians—people who have reached the age of 110 or older. The list of exceptional individuals is a testament to the country's overall health and aging trends. For example, Kane Tanaka, who died in 2022 at 119 years and 107 days, was the world's oldest validated living person for a time. The oldest verified Japanese man ever, Jiroemon Kimura, lived to be 116. These figures demonstrate that reaching a high age is not a statistical anomaly but a consistent pattern in Japanese society.
Factors Contributing to Japanese Longevity
Experts and researchers have long sought to understand the reasons behind Japan's impressive life expectancy. It is widely considered a combination of cultural practices, dietary habits, and social systems.
Dietary and lifestyle habits:
- A traditional Japanese diet, or washoku, is rich in fish, vegetables, and fermented foods, while being low in saturated fat.
- Portion control is a deeply ingrained cultural practice, exemplified by the phrase hara hachi bu, or eating until 80% full.
- Regular, low-intensity physical activity is common, integrated into daily life through walking, cycling, and simple exercises like Radio Taiso.
Social and psychological well-being:
- Concepts like ikigai (a sense of purpose) and moai (lifelong social support circles in Okinawa) foster strong community engagement and mental health.
- Many centenarians in Japan remain actively engaged with their families and communities, maintaining a sense of usefulness.
Healthcare and environment:
- Japan offers universal health coverage and prioritizes preventive healthcare through regular screenings.
- A high standard of public hygiene and environmental cleanliness contributes to overall health.
Comparison of Japanese and Western Longevity Factors
| Feature | Japanese Approach | Western Approach | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | High in fish, vegetables, fermented foods; low in processed foods and red meat. | Often higher in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. | A nutrient-dense, plant-forward diet is a significant contributor to longevity. |
| Physical Activity | Consistent, low-intensity movement integrated into daily life (e.g., walking, cycling). | Often relies on structured, high-intensity exercise; more sedentary lifestyles are common. | Integrating moderate, consistent activity is often more sustainable than episodic, intense exercise. |
| Social Connection | Strong community bonds (moai) and respect for elders. | Can be more individualistic; potential for social isolation, particularly for seniors. | Maintaining strong social ties is crucial for mental and emotional well-being in old age. |
| Purpose | Emphasis on ikigai (reason for being), leading to continued engagement. | Retirement can sometimes lead to a loss of purpose and identity. | Having a strong sense of purpose provides motivation and happiness throughout life. |
The National Context of Aging
Japan’s demographics tell a story of an aging society with a declining birthrate. While this presents economic challenges, the nation's rising centenarian count is a remarkable success story in public health and wellness. The annual tally of centenarians, released before Respect for the Aged Day in September, has risen for 55 consecutive years, reaching almost 100,000 in 2025. This trend demonstrates that the factors contributing to longevity are systemic and widespread, not limited to a few lucky individuals.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for a Long, Healthy Life
The answer to the question, how old is the oldest person in Japan?, reveals more than just a number. It provides a focal point for understanding the broader cultural, social, and health factors that enable a population to live extraordinarily long lives. From the personal habits of Shigeko Kagawa to the national health initiatives, Japan offers a valuable blueprint for achieving not only a longer lifespan but a healthier and more fulfilling one. For those seeking to follow in the footsteps of Japan's centenarians, the message is clear: a balanced diet, regular activity, social connection, and a sense of purpose are the cornerstones of graceful and healthy aging.
