BIOGRAPHY

Terumi Kanao (金尾輝美) was born on 20 June 1914, in Ikegawa-cho, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, as one of 13 siblings. In her early 20s, she married a man four years her senior, and together they raised six children while running a tofu shop alongside their farming work. Even after their children became independent, Kanao continued to enjoy growing vegetables in her home garden.

Following her husband’s passing at the age of 74, Kanao lived with her daughter. However, after her daughter passed away, she lived alone from the age of 94 to 100 for about six years. During this time, while receiving assistance from a caregiver, she led an independent, active, and cheerful daily life.

Kanao has never experienced serious illness or injury. Her family believes the secret to her longevity lies in her long-standing diet of simple foods such as rice, miso soup, salt-grilled mackerel, and Japanese-style stews made from home-grown vegetables. She has always avoided processed meats like bacon and sausages. Additionally, she drank Yakuyo Yomeishu (a traditional medicinal health drink made with Chinese herbal ingredients and alcohol) for decades, continuing until she was about 106 years old.

Kanao was deeply religious and would pray whenever a family member became ill. While she didn’t follow a formal exercise routine, she kept herself active by frequently cleaning and tidying up the house. Her family described her as a cheerful, strong-willed woman who speaks her mind and never dwells on things. Known for her bright and lively personality, she often entertained others with singing and dancing at gatherings.

At the age of 110, she is still able to hold a spoon and feed herself. She currently lives in a hospital in Niyodogawa, Kōchi Prefecture, where she receives care and enjoys daily life with other elderly residents, including long-time acquaintances, sharing a cheerful and lively community.

RECOGNITION

In September 2024, she was reported as the oldest living person in Kōchi Prefecture.

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Yumi Yamamoto and Ryohei Asano, and validated by LongeviQuest on 16 November 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

(The biography of Mrs. Terumi Kanao was compiled entirely through interviews with her family.)

GALLERY