On August 5, 2024, LongeviQuest representatives visited the home of Mrs. Mine Kondō (近藤ミネ), the 12th-oldest living person in the world. They presented her with a plaque recognizing her as the oldest resident in Aichi Prefecture, along with a bouquet of flowers. She is currently the fifth-oldest living person in Japan.
From left to right: Ben Meyers (LQ), Mine Kondō, age 113 (近藤ミネ), Naomi Yagami, granddaughter of Kondō-san (八神直美), Yumi Yamamoto (LQ)
Mine Kondō (近藤ミネ) was born on September 1, 1910, in Ikuma (伊熊) Village (now Toyota City), Aichi Prefecture, as the fifth of seven siblings. At the age of 20, she married a farmer and was blessed with six children. She gave birth to her youngest child when she was 40 years old.
At 113 years old, she has 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and more than 10 great-great-grandchildren. She currently lives with her eldest daughter and granddaughter, attending a daycare center twice a week. On good days, she enjoys shopping with other daycare center users or taking short trips by bus. She especially loves going on drives, during which she becomes very talkative while admiring the cityscape.
Mine Kondō (近藤ミネ)
Her granddaughter Naomi Yagami (八神直美) mentioned that one of the factors contributing to her longevity might be the sense of security she feels from being cherished by her family. Kondō-san has always treasured her six children and their families. When her eldest daughter suffered a serious injury in her 40s, Kondō-san took several bus rides to visit her daughter’s house and care for her. Even in her old age, she regularly visited each of her children’s homes, staying for several weeks at a time and showing great affection for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At 113, she can still eat regular food on her own and especially loves fruit. Throughout the day, she frequently enjoys drinking her favorite tea. She has named a stuffed monkey “Yae-chan/Yaenko” (which means “wild baby monkey”), and when their eyes meet, she gently talks to Yae-chan and treats it with great care.
Her granddaughter Naomi-san, who cares for Kondō-san at home, spoke about the rewards of caregiving, saying she is delighted when her grandmother enjoys the meals she prepares and expresses her gratitude by calling her name. She also shared that watching her grandmother peacefully nap brings her great joy.
LongeviQuest’s Ben Meyers and Yumi Yamamoto, after the visit, commented, “Kondō-san and her family inspire us. Just as Kondō-san raised many generations of her family, her grandchildren now joyfully care for her. Her family is ever-growing and always around. She seems so perfectly content.”
© LongeviQuest
