BIOGRAPHY

Haruko Onizuka was born in Minami Takaki District, Nagasaki Prefecture (present-day Unzen City), Japan, on 18 March 1913.

In her youth, she obtained a midwifery license and worked as a midwife assistant under her aunt until she left the profession upon marriage. At the age of 23, she married a government official and moved to Nagasaki City, where she was blessed with five children—two sons and three daughters.

During World War II, Onizuka endured the hardships of losing her home due to her husband’s conscription and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Her husband was drafted into the war and suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and legs, resulting in partial paralysis. Despite the wartime difficulties, she bravely traveled by ship from Moji Port to China to visit him in the hospital. Her husband lived until around the age of 90.

After the war, Onizuka raised her children while engaging in traditional arts such as flower arranging and tea ceremony. Later in life, she moved to Fukuoka. In her 80s, she began crafting Kimekomi dolls, generously gifting many of her creations to friends.

Even at the age of 111, Onizuka occasionally enjoyed folding origami. She stated at that age that she had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also used a senior walker and took occasional strolls. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she stated on her 111th birthday, “Eating everything without being picky. I love sweets.” When asked who she would like to meet again, she responded, “I want to see my parents.” She described herself as having led an ordinary life as a full-time housewife.

She currently resides in a nursing home in Mizumaki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

RECOGNITION

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

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano, and Yumi Yamamoto, and validated by LongeviQuest on 23 September 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* Fukuoka Prefectural Government

GALLERY