Japan has a new oldest living person: Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old retired doctor from Nara Prefecture. Her extraordinary life journey stretches from pre-war Japan to becoming a modern-day icon of longevity.
Born in 1911, Kagawa broke barriers by becoming a physician at a time when very few women could. She worked through the challenges of WWII, led a rural family clinic, and delivered thousands of babies. Even after retiring at the age of 86, she stayed active and engaged with life — famously carrying the Olympic Torch during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 109.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Kagawa keeps it simple- “I just play every day. I go where I want, eat what I want. I’m free.”
Her playful spirit, fierce independence, and joyful approach to life embody Japan’s unique philosophy on aging — built on mental well-being, a sense of purpose (ikigai), and strong community ties.
With over 36 million citizens aged 65+ and 10% of its population now over 80, Japan continues to inspire the world with its formula for a healthy, fulfilling, and long life.
Shigeko Kagawa is more than a record-holder — she is living proof that growing older can also mean growing freer.
