Asa Sakamoto

BIOGRAPHY

Asa Sakamoto was born in Japan on 28 August 1903.

She lived through World War II, experiencing air raids both in Kawasaki City, where she lived during the war, and later in Hitachi, where she had moved during the wartime period. In particular, she recalled the intense bombing over the Tsurumi River area in Kawasaki.

Sakamoto led an active and independent life, living with her second son, Mitsuteru, and his wife. Well into her later years, she enjoyed preparing her own meals, taking care of household tasks such as setting up her futon, and eating the same foods as younger people. She was fond of soba noodles but disliked udon, a detail that often amused visitors. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she would say with a smile, “Eating everything except udon.”

She had an excellent memory, was able to recall the birthdays of many friends, and could sing “Tetsudō Shōka” (Railway Song) up to verse 66. Her family described her as someone always surrounded by love and gratitude. In her own words: “I don’t think of myself as having lived long, but I am happy now.”

Even in her advanced years, Sakamoto maintained a clear mind and enjoyed conversations with visitors, including city officials. She passed away in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on 14 December 2013 at the age of 110 years, 108 days.

RECOGNITION

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 4 July 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “100歳以上のかたを紹介します” – Hitachi City Newsletter, 20 September 2010

GALLERY

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