Masako Soga, the oldest living person in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, passed away in Ihara on November 16, at the age of 111 years, 267 days. Her passing was first reported by the Chugoku Shimbun.
Masako Soga was born in Kannabe (now part of the city of Fukuyama), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, on 23 February 1913, as the seventh of eight children. She was born small and was raised by her older brother and oldest sister, who fed her with amazake instead of breast milk. After getting married, she moved to Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture. Her husband, a film engineer, passed away in the early 1980s.
Soga was able to sew until she was 95. At the age of 110, she still had 20 of her own teeth, and still enjoyed eating her candy rice crackers. Among her favorite foods are fruits, fried chicken and pork cutlets. In April 2023, she was still able to walk, although she broke her femur at the age of 102. When asked about the secret of her longevity, she replied: “Chew food well.”
On 19 May 2023, following the death of 110-year-old Hanayo Hashimoto, she became the oldest living person on Okayama Prefecture, at the age of 110.
Okayama Prefecture has announced that Yukiko Honda, aged 111 and less than a month younger than Soga, is now recognized as the oldest living resident.
Featured image: In June 2023, aged 110. (Source: Chugoku Shimbun)
LongeviQuest sends our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Masako Soga.
