Imari, Saga Prefecture — Asayo Satō, the oldest living person in Saga Prefecture, Japan, passed away on 27 September 2024, five days after celebrating her 113th birthday. (Source: Yomiuri Shimbun)
Asayo Satō (Japanese: 佐藤アサヨ) was born in Imari, on 22 September 1911. She moved to Osaka at some point in her life, ran her own business until her marriage, and returned to her hometown of Imari with her family during World War II. Upon her return to Imari, she operated a yarn shop, knitting cardigans and other items based on customer orders.
Satō played gateball until she reached the age of 98. In September 2009, she won a special award at the Citizens’ Gateball Tournament and was featured in the city’s bulletin as the oldest gateball player. Up until she was around 100 years old, she maintained a methodical lifestyle, diligently keeping a diary and performing calculations with an abacus.
In September 2023, she was reported as the oldest living person in Saga Prefecture. Following Satō’s death, the oldest living person in Saga Prefecture is Midori Kondō (109) of Saga City.
We send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Asayo Satō.
