Oiku Hashimoto, the oldest living person in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, passed away in Ōra on 11 January, at the age of 111 years, 200 days.
Oiku Hashimoto (橋本オイク) was born in Ōra, on 25 June 1914. She was a mother of five children and worked in agriculture for much of her life. From an early age, she developed a passion for hand knitting, creating cardigans, vests, and various small items from yarn. Over the decades, she completed countless pieces, generously gifting them to family, relatives, and neighbors.
She remained physically active and creative well into her later years, continuing to play gateball and knit until the age of 104. Remarkably, even after turning 100, she could still complete a cardigan in about ten days, saying that if she spent even half a day doing nothing, she would feel restless and start knitting again.
Following the passing of 110-year-old Kiyomi Katō of Maebashi on 5 March 2025, Hashimoto became the oldest living person in Gunma Prefecture.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Oiku Hashimoto during this difficult time.
