Shigeko Kagawa, acknowledged as Japan’s oldest resident, passed away on 27 August at the remarkable age of 115 years and 91 days. Her death was confirmed by the Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in conjunction with the Gerontology Research Group, which documents the lives of supercentenarians. Kagawa’s life was notable not only for its duration but for her contributions as a medical professional in her community.
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Born on 28 May 1911 in Yamatokōriyama, within Nara Prefecture, Kagawa dedicated herself to the field of medicine, graduating from Osaka Women’s Higher Medical School in 1934. She began her career at Osaka Municipal Minami Citizens’ Hospital, working across obstetrics, gynaecology, and internal medicine. Just a few years later, she established her own practice, serving her patients diligently until her eighties.
Kagawa’s longevity was often attributed to her active lifestyle, which she credited as a significant factor. In various interviews, she shared insights into her daily routine and how it had benefited her health. “Walking and using your brain” were her keys to a long life, as reported by multiple news outlets, including Công Luận and The Independent. Throughout her life, Kagawa maintained a love for walking, often trekking considerable distances to reach her patients and undertake daily tasks.
Reflecting on her formative years, Kagawa recalled how she used to walk a substantial distance from her home to catch the train to school. It was this consistent physical activity in her youth, she believed, that had formed the foundation of her vitality in her later years. “I think walking a lot since I was a child is the source of my energy today,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
In a moment that captured the attention of the nation, Kagawa was selected to serve as a torchbearer for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in April 2021, an event that had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the age of 109 years and 11 months, she symbolised resilience and the spirit of the Olympic movement, further inspiring others with her longevity and active engagement in society.
Following Kagawa’s passing, the title of Japan’s oldest living person has now shifted to Fuyo Kishimoto, a 114-year-old resident of Kyoto Prefecture. This change prompts reflections on the lives of centenarians in Japan, a country renowned for its high number of individuals aged over 100.
The global conversation surrounding longevity has also highlighted another remarkable individual, Ethel Caterham, who is currently the world’s oldest living person at 117 years old. Caterham has similarly shared her insights into achieving a lengthy life, stating, “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.” Both Kagawa and Caterham’s anecdotes contribute to an ongoing discourse about the factors that contribute to a long and fulfilling life.
Shigeko Kagawa’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, commitment to one’s profession, and the significance of an active lifestyle. As Japan reflects on her legacy, many will remember her as not only a centenarian but as a figure of inspiration for those striving to cultivate a life filled with purpose and health. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her words and approach to life will undoubtedly continue to resonate with future generations.