Fumi Takezaki (竹﨑富美)

BIOGRAPHY

Fumi Takezaki (Japanese: 竹﨑富美) was born on 27 March 1916 in what is now Nankoku, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Widowed at a young age, she raised her two daughters on her own.

At around 58, she began living with one of her daughters. She helped at her daughter’s daycare until about the age of 90, working closely alongside her.

According to her family, Takezaki enjoyed exceptionally good health and continued riding a bicycle until nearly 100. Until she fractured a bone at 102, she reportedly remained free of colds and had no need for hospital care or medication. She later recovered from both aspiration pneumonia and COVID-19. At around 105, she was still enjoying outings with her family to see flowers and gardens.

Her family describes her as strong-willed and resilient in the face of hardship. Meat and ramen have long been among her favorite foods, but she is especially fond of eel. Her family says she still has a good appetite. On special occasions, they carefully remove the bones from the eel so she can enjoy it.

At 110, she enjoys playing shiritori, a Japanese word-chain game, with her family and is quick to come up with answers. She also keeps her mind active through daily brain-training activities.

She currently lives at home in Kami City, Kōchi Prefecture, where she receives devoted care from her family.