BIOGRAPHY

Kayo Fujii (藤井カヨ) was born in Toda Village (now Toda, Tokuyama City), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, on March 12, 1888. She married and worked in agriculture while raising one child. After her husband passed away in 1966, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law. Her son-in-law, Takashi Fujii (72), a farmer, recalled that in her younger days, she would boil and drink medicinal herbs growing around their home—something he believes may have contributed to her longevity.

In 1985, she fractured her hip and became bedridden. However, until her hospitalization in 1992, she had never experienced any major illness. She was known to enjoy a small can of beer every evening until she entered the hospital. Her favorite food was sashimi. Even after becoming bedridden, she remained in good spirits and never missed her three daily meals. She stayed mentally sharp and lively well into her later years.

In early August 1999, her health declined, and she passed away peacefully on August 6 at Yuno Seiwakai Hospital in Yuno, Tokuyama City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, due to pneumonia, with her son-in-law, Mr. Fujii, by her side. She was 111 years and 147 days old. “She had a calm expression, as if she might break into a smile,” he said.

In April that year, following the death of Denzō Ishizaki at age 112, Fujii was recognized as Japan’s second-oldest person, after Kamato Hongo of Kagoshima City (aged 111). However, after doubts later emerged regarding Hongo’s age, Fujii—although never officially declared so by the Japanese government—was subsequently regarded as the oldest verified person in Japan at that time. After her passing, Mie Ishiguro became the nation’s oldest living person, although she too was not officially recognized as such by the Japanese government.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 7 March 2000, and recognised by LongeviQuest

ATTRIBUTION

＊”「７３歳…若いですねえ」　激励徳山市長に１０９歳　藤井さん（山口県）” – Chūnichi Shimbun, September 2, 1997

＊ “［訃報］藤井カヨさん　１１１歳　死去＝国内２番目の長寿” – Mainichi Shimbun,  August 7, 1999

GALLERY