Japan’s oldest woman is 114, and her secret to a long, happy life is surprisingly simple

Japan has a new supercentenarian at the top of its longevity list. Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old retired physician from Nara Prefecture, has officially been confirmed as the country’s oldest living person, according to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Her recognition follows the recent passing of Miyoko Hiroyasu, who also lived to 114.

A Life Spanning Wars and Generations

Born in 1911, Kagawa grew up in an era before cars were commonplace. She graduated from Osaka Women’s Medical College (now Kansai Medical University) before World War II, later serving at a hospital in Osaka during the Pacific conflict. In interviews cited by LongeviQuest, she recalled the devastation of the city during air raids and how lives vanished in an instant.

After the war, she took over her family’s clinic, dedicating decades as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Known for her commitment, she even kept a telephone by her bedside to rush to patients’ homes at any hour. She retired only at the age of 86, yet continues to be remembered fondly by former patients who stop her on the street to thank her for saving their loved ones.

The Torchbearer of Resilience

Even after her medical career, Kagawa showed no signs of slowing down. In 2021, at 109, she became one of the oldest Olympic torchbearers in history, completing her segment of the Tokyo relay in a wheelchair with the help of her granddaughter-in-law. “Maybe I’m still strong because in my younger days I used to walk everywhere in clogs,” she quipped in an earlier interview.

Today, at 114, she continues to read the newspaper every day with a magnifying glass, keeping her mind as active as her spirit.

Her Simple Secret to a Long Life

When asked about the secret to her remarkable longevity, Kagawa’s answer was surprisingly simple. As cited by Independent, speaking to TOS News in 2023, she said: “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.”

That philosophy of freedom and playfulness appears to be her guiding principle, a reminder that longevity is not just about discipline, but also joy.

Japan’s Aging Milestone

Kagawa’s story also reflects a wider demographic reality in Japan. Despite a declining overall population, the country continues to see record numbers of elderly citizens. According to official data, as of September 2024, more than 36 million people—29 percent of Japan’s population—are aged 65 or older, the highest proportion in the world. Over 95,000 centenarians live across the country, with one in ten Japanese now aged 80 or above.

From delivering babies to lighting the Olympic flame, Shigeko Kagawa has lived a life full of service, resilience, and independence. Her story is more than just a tale of personal longevity—it is a reflection of Japan’s cultural reverence for its elders and a gentle reminder of the power of keeping life simple.

After all, in her own words, the secret is not really a secret: play every day, stay free, and keep going.