Fuji Takashima – Gerontology Research Group

Full name: Fuji Takashima [Japanese: 高嶋フジ] (née Hirai)
Lifespan: 15.08.1911 – 23.10.2023
Age: 112 years, 69 days
Birthplace: Kotsubo, Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Last residence: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Application date: 01.09.2021
Validation date: 01.10.2023
Validation source: MHLW, Japan/Yu Li/et al.

Biography

Born as Fuji Hirai in Kotsubo, Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, on 15 August 1911, Fuji Takashima’s life unfolded against the backdrop of a century marked by resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of survival. Tragically, her journey began with the loss of her mother to typhoid fever.

Fuji Takashima’s indomitable spirit was tested early on when she emerged as a survivor of the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake, a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. In August 2021, the world celebrated alongside her as she marked her 110th birthday, officially joining the ranks of supercentenarians.

Even at the age of 112, Fuji Takashima continued to embody the essence of vitality, displaying remarkable strength as she walked with assistance, a testament to her unwavering determination.

With heavy hearts, we share the news of Fuji Takashima’s peaceful passing on 23 October 2023 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. She left this world of natural causes at the age of 112 years and 69 days, leaving behind a legacy of strength, endurance, and the beauty of a life well-lived.

Let us remember Fuji Takashima with gratitude and reverence for the lessons her journey imparts on the resilience of the human spirit. May she rest in peace.

Validation

Fuji Takashima’s longevity was not only a personal milestone but a shared celebration of the human spirit. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan, Yu Li, et al., and the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) collectively verified and validated her remarkable age on 1 October 2023.

Fuji Takashima

Fuji Takashima at age 107.

Fuji Takashima at age 110, during the COVID19 pandemic.

Fuji Takashima at age 111.

Fuji Takashima at age 112.

Fuji Takashima walking with assistance at age 112.

Photo courtesy of Asashi Shimbun, Kanagawa Shimbun, and Gerontology Wiki.