We were grateful to have the opportunity to interview the family of Ayako Kōsaki (Japanese: 神前あや子), who was born on June 9, 1914, in Kyoto. She is currently recognized as the third-oldest living person in Kyoto Prefecture, after Fuyo Kishimoto and an anonymous lady. In this article, we are honored to share her life story and her deep devotion to haiku.

Early Life, Education, and Marriage

Kōsaki (神前) was the second of five siblings and the eldest daughter. She enrolled at Kyoto Prefectural First Girls’ High School (commonly known as “Fuichi”) but, before graduating, left at her parents’ recommendation to marry a physician who later became a medical college professor.

A Lifelong Bond with Haiku

Influenced by her father, Dr. Iwao Matsuo (1882–1963)—a medical doctor and Kyoto Imperial University professor who was also a haiku poet—and by her mother, Shizuko, who likewise wrote haiku, she discovered the charm of haiku during her high school years. By 1935, she had already submitted several poems to literary magazines, demonstrating her strong interest in the art at that time.

In 1940, she gave birth to her first daughter and eventually became the mother of four children. During these years, daily responsibilities left little room for poetry, and haiku gradually faded from her life.

Her passion, however, was reignited in 1966 when her eldest son, then a high school sophomore, asked her for advice on a haiku assignment during summer break. What began as a simple request became the spark that brought her back to the art she had once set aside. After about 25 years away, she returned with renewed energy, joining the “Tanabata Haiku Group” and resuming active writing.

Publishing in Hototogisu and Tamamo

She began contributing to Hototogisu, a long-established haiku magazine, and to Tamamo, a prominent journal for women poets. Haiku, a traditional Japanese poetic form of 17 syllables (5-7-5), often reflects nature and seasonal themes. Over time, four members of her family—her father, mother, herself, and her younger brother—were recognized as contributing poets. In these journals she not only published haiku but also short essays about her family, which revealed her literary spirit and affectionate character.

Community Work and Choir

Beyond literature, Kōsaki (神前) founded a marriage consultation service for alumnae of her former school, arranging many matches. She also sang in a women’s choir and lived such an active life that she was seldom at home. On one occasion, she was so often away from home that the police contacted her eldest son’s family in another prefecture to make sure she was safe. What could have been a worrying moment instead became a charming family story, one that is still retold today with warmth and laughter.

With her great-grandchildren, in her early 100s (Photo shared by her family)

Diet and Daily Routines

Her meals centered on traditional Japanese cuisine, especially fish and vegetables. She enjoyed sweets but valued moderation, usually limiting herself to one—or even half—of a manju.

Later Years

After developing an illness at 88, she moved into a nursing home but continued composing haiku until around age 100. On her 105th birthday, she received permission to dine out and celebrated with her family at a restaurant.

Standing just about 150 cm (about 4 ft 11 in) tall, Kōsaki (神前) was petite and ate only modest portions, yet she remained energetic and spirited well into advanced age. Her intellectual curiosity and cheerful personality were constants throughout her life, and it may have been this combination of moderation and an active, engaged senior life that supported her longevity.

On her 105th birthday (Photo shared by her family)

Wishing Her Health and Our Thanks

We sincerely wish Mrs. Kōsaki (神前) continued health and extend our gratitude to her family for sharing their memories and photographs.

Her full Biography is available on LongeviQuest.