Ito Nakagawa (中川イト), 110, of Hokkaido, Japan, is the prefecture’s third-oldest living person as of September 2026. With the kind cooperation of Hakodate City and Nakagawa’s care home, LongeviQuest had the opportunity to learn more about her life. Staff at her care home shared details about her years raising four children in Hakodate, her favorite foods, and her daily routine today.
Her Early Life and Family
Nakagawa was born on 23 August 1916 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, as the only daughter of a farming family. As a child, she moved to Hakodate because of her father’s work and has lived there ever since.
She later married a man who worked for Japanese National Railways, and the couple had two sons and two daughters. As a homemaker, Nakagawa devoted herself to caring for her family.
Life at Her Care Home
Nakagawa survived strokes at 63 and 88. At 94, she became unwell and spent time in hospital. After leaving the hospital, she moved into a care home. According to care home staff, she could still walk on her own after turning 100.
Today, she receives rehabilitation therapy several times a week. These sessions include stretching and massage of her leg muscles. Currently, she spends much of her time between meals resting comfortably in her room.
Favorite Foods and Daily Meals
Nakagawa enjoys salty foods. Until around 107, she occasionally ate potato chips. At 110, one of her favorite foods is still shiokara, or salted and fermented squid. She sometimes enjoys it with white rice. She is also particularly fond of black soybeans and tomatoes.
Staff at her care home believe that eating three full meals a day may be one of the secrets to her longevity. This remains part of her daily routine at 110.
Recognition of Her Longevity
In September 2024, Hakodate City announced that Ito Nakagawa was its oldest living resident. LongeviQuest validated her age on 29 September 2026.
LongeviQuest warmly thanks Nakagawa’s care home for sharing these insights into her life, and Hakodate City for its kind cooperation.
