HIMEJI, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan — Mrs. Yoshiko Takasu (高須よし子), the oldest living resident of Himeji City in Hyōgo Prefecture, celebrated her 112th birthday on June 21, 2026.
Takasu currently resides in a nursing care home, where she enjoys three meals a day and maintains a healthy appetite. She was still walking independently at age 111 and now uses a wheelchair for safety.
Born on June 21, 1914, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Takasu was the second of five children in a farming family. As a young woman, she helped care for her siblings and assisted with farm work. She married in her 30s and later opened a restaurant, operating a traditional Japanese kappo-style eatery until around the age of 55.
Always eager to stay active and involved, Takasu continued seeking new experiences as she grew older. At age 65, she enrolled in a senior education program organized by the City of Himeji. She attended lectures in the mornings and enjoyed lunch outings with her fellow students in the afternoons. She also took part in monthly bus trips, continuing these activities well into her 80s and embracing an active and fulfilling later life.
Even in very old age, Takasu remained remarkably active. Although she suffered femur fractures at ages 100 and 108, she recovered both times and made a habit of taking daily walks with a walker to maintain her strength. Her home even included a karaoke room, where she regularly welcomed friends and enjoyed lively gatherings.
Yoshiko Takasu plays a taiko drum during a Respect for the Aged Day celebration in September 2025, when she was 111 years old. Courtesy of her family.
In a 2018 interview with the Himeji City Council of Social Welfare, Takasu said that she preferred smaller portions of rice and generous servings of meat. She also continued gathering wild vegetables in the mountains until age 104 and used a mobile phone until age 108.
Today, at age 112, Takasu uses a wheelchair but still retains notable strength in her legs. She is able to stand briefly when needed during daily activities and can still transfer in and out of a vehicle with assistance when attending medical appointments.
When previously asked about the secret to her longevity, Takasu offered a simple explanation:
“I worked a lot when I was younger, so my legs and hips are strong..”
LongeviQuest extends its warmest congratulations to Yoshiko Takasu on her 112th birthday and wishes her continued health and happiness.
