Shigeko Kagawa, the oldest living person in Japan, dies at 115
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is saddened to reported that Mrs. Shigeko Kagawa [Japanese: 賀川滋子], the oldest living person in Japan, sadly passed away in Yamato-Koriyama, Nara Prefecture on 27 August 2026 at the final age of 115 years and 91 days.
Shigeko Kagawa was born in Yamato-Koriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan, on 28 May 1911 (Meiji 44). According to the history of the Yamato-Koriyama City Medical Association, she graduated from Osaka Women’s Higher Medical School (now Kansai Medical University) in 1934.
From April of the same year for approximately 3 years, she worked in the obstetrics and gynecology and internal medicine departments of Osaka Municipal Minami Citizens’ Hospital (now Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital). In 1937, she opened her own practice in what is now Yamato-Koriyama City. She continued to work as an obstetrician-gynecologist and internist well into her 80s, contributing to community healthcare.
In April 2021, she became the oldest Olympic torchbearer ever at age 109 years and 11 months. The previous record holder was Aida Mendes (20 November 1909 – 9 April 2020), who was 106 at the time when she participated as a torchbearer in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
On 28 May 2021, Kagawa celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian. In September 2022, she was reported as the oldest living woman in Nara Prefecture; her predecessor, Misayo Yamashita, went to limbo.
On 9 September 2022, following the death of 112-year-old Mikizo Ueda (who was also the oldest living man in Japan), she became the oldest living person in Nara Prefecture.
Her age was verified by Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Japan and Yumi Yamamoto, and validated by the GRG on 16 May 2023.
On 29 July 2025, following the death of 114-year-old Miyoko Hiroyasu of Oita Prefecture, she became the oldest living person in Japan.
After she became the oldest person in Japan, she spoke about the secret to her longevity, saying, “There is no secret; I don’t do anything special. When I was working in obstetrics and gynecology, I was out and about making house calls late at night and on my days off, and that’s what keeps me energetic today.”
Shigeko Kagawa passed away in Yamato-Koriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan, on 27 August 2026, at the age of 115 years and 91 days. Following her death, then 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto [Japanese: 岸本ふよ] (born 20 December 1911) of Kyoto Prefecture became the oldest living person in Japan (also the last survivng Japanese person born during the Meiji period).
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Shigeko Kagawa during this difficult time.
LINKS
1. 【長寿】国内最高齢の女性115歳で亡くなる 80歳を超えても医師として活躍 奈良・大和郡山市
2. 国内最高齢115歳が死去 奈良の賀川滋子さん
3. 国内最高齢の賀川滋子さん（115）亡くなる 京都市の岸本ふよさん（114）が最高齢に
4. 国内最高齢者１１５歳で死去 奈良県の賀川滋子さん