Japan's oldest person, 115-year-old woman from Nara Prefecture, dies

Nara, Japan - Japan's oldest resident, Shigeko Kagawa, a 115-year-old woman from Nara Prefecture, has passed away according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The ministry confirmed Kagawa's death on Thursday, July 24, 2025. As the previous record holder, 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto from nearby Kyoto, is now recognized as Japan's oldest individual.

Born in 1911, Kagawa completed her medical education in 1934 and spent three years working in the obstetrics and gynecology and internal medicine departments at a hospital in Osaka. She established her own clinic in Nara Prefecture in 1937 and continued her medical practice into her 80s, providing essential healthcare services to her community.

In 2021, Kagawa achieved the distinction of being the oldest torchbearer in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay. Her commitment to community health care extended to her participation at the 1970 Osaka World Exposition, where she responded to medical emergencies. At the age of 114 in July 2025, Kagawa made a poignant statement about her longevity, attributing it to her consistent habit of walking, even during late-night or off-duty periods.