LongeviQuest is pleased to announce that Mrs. Mine Kondō (近藤ミネ), aged 114, has become the oldest living person in Japan after Mrs. Okagi Hayashi (林おかぎ) passed away at the age of 115 on 26 April 2025. Mrs. Kondō is now the fourth-oldest living person in the world.

Early and Middle Years

Mrs. Kondō was born on 1 September 1910 in the village of Ikuma (伊熊; now part of Toyota City), Aichi Prefecture, as the fifth of seven siblings. At 20, she married a farmer from Higashihagihira (東萩平町), and together they raised nine children, six of whom—three sons and three daughters—survived into adulthood. While raising her family, she continued working in agriculture, raising silkworms, and making handmade paper, staying active in farming well into her 90s.

Later Life and Longevity

Remarkably, even after breaking her hip at 101 and undergoing surgery for an intestinal obstruction at 103, she recovered quickly each time. After turning 101, she began attending a daycare center in Nagoya, and by 112, she participated in calligraphy activities twice a week. Her family describes her as a cheerful, positive person who never spoke ill of others or got caught up in small worries.

Until 114 years and one month old, Mrs. Kondō lived at home with her second daughter and granddaughter. She later moved into a nursing home in Kota Town, Aichi Prefecture, close to her youngest daughter’s home. She continued to enjoy frequent visits from her family and, on good days in early March 2025, sang cheerfully. However, later that month, doctors hospitalized her due to aspiration pneumonia, and she remains hospitalized as of late April 2025.

LongeviQuest had the honor of visiting Mrs. Kondō on 5 August 2024 to celebrate her remarkable longevity. During the visit, we presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative plaque, and she greeted us warmly. On good days, she enjoyed shopping with other daycare center users or taking short trips by bus.

LongeviQuest extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Kondō on becoming the oldest living person in Japan. We sincerely hope for her swift recovery and continued strength.