Okagi Hayashi

Supercentenarian data for Japan

  • Full name: Okagi Hayashi (Japanese: 林おかぎ]
  • Lifespan: (02.09.1909 – present)
  • Age: 115 years
  • Birthplace: Tsumagi (now Tsumagicho, Toki City), Gifu Prefecture, Japan
  • Last residence: Tsumagicho, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
  • Application date: 14.09.2019
  • Validation date: 09.02.2023
  • Validation source: MHLW Japan/Yu Li

Biography

Okagi Hayashi was born in the village of Tsumagi (now Tsumagicho, Toki City), Gifu Prefecture, Japan on 2 September 1909. Her father was a grain wholesaler. After graduating from elementary school, she entered Nakatsu Girls’ High School. At the same time she started school, she left her parents’ house and lived in a high school dormitory.

In her early 20s, Hayashi married an elementary school teacher. Her husband was adopted into the Hayashi family, so she never changed her maiden name. They lived in Hokkaido Prefecture until her first son was born, and then returned to Toki City where she took over her family’s grain wholesale business. The couple had nine children in total. She has been very cautious of her health since mid-life, drinking her homemade green juice every morning and exercising along with her husband. Until she was in her 80s, she enjoyed going on hot spring trips and gardening with her friends from school days.

On 24 June 2019, following the death of 110-year-old Tsuyo Wada, she became the oldest living person in Gifu Prefecture.

Hayashi practiced calligraphy until she was in her 90s. She lived with her family in her home until she was 105.

On 2 September 2019, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian. At the age of 111, she had eight living children, 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. At the age of 112, she was still able to read newspapers and enjoyed playing puzzle games.

On 29 December 2024, following the death of 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka, she became the oldest living person in Japan.

Okagi Hayashi currently lives in Tsumagicho, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, at the age of 115.

Longevity recognition

  • Oldest living person in Gifu Prefecture (24.06.2019 – present)
  • Oldest living person in Japan (29.12.2024 – present)

Validation

Her age was verified by MHLW Japan and Yu Li, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 9 February 2022.

Okagi Hayashi at the age of 113.

Okagi Hayashi at the age of 113.

Okagi Hayashi at the age of 28, with her husband and children.

Hayashi at the age of 66, with her family.

Hayashi in her 70s, with her son

Okagi Hayashi at age 96 and 100.

Okagi Hayashi, from age 106 to 109.

Okagi Hayashi on her 110th birthday.

Okagi Hayashi, aged 110, in September 2019.

Okagi Hayashi, aged 112.