BIOGRAPHY

Masae Furuhashi (古橋マサエ) was born in Nakaze Village (now Hamamatsu City), Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on 24 January 1914, as the youngest of five children in a family that ran a lumber business. While attending Shizuoka Prefectural Futamata Girls’ High School (now Shizuoka Prefectural Futamata High School), she commuted by bicycle every day, traveling approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) each way.

Around the age of 20, she married a high school teacher, and together they had four children. However, in 1941, her husband was killed in the war, leaving her a widow at 27. After his death, she continued living with her in-laws and supported the family by helping with their farming work while raising her children on her own.

She continued growing vegetables until about the age of 90 and made sunbathing a daily habit as part of her health routine. Even in old age, she remained physically active, riding her bicycle to the fields and maintaining a high level of independence.

Her neighbors on both sides of her home were also long-lived, and they all led healthy, active lives. She shared a passion for gardening with them and enjoyed daily conversations, which may have contributed to her vitality and longevity. In addition to gardening, she had a deep personal interest in bonsai, which she pursued as a private hobby.

Furuhashi was known for her cheerful personality. Until her 70s, she actively participated in local women’s association events, where she danced with her neighbors and enjoyed social gatherings. Throughout her life, she remained in good health and had no major illnesses. Even when she fractured her femur at the age of 102 due to a fall, she recovered in less than a month. After this incident, she moved into a nursing home.

She was also mindful of her diet, eating one pickled plum (umeboshi) every morning. Her favorite food was eel (unagi), which she enjoyed immensely. While living at home, she frequently prepared vinegared dishes and followed a “hara hachibu” (eating in moderation) diet. According to her family, her attentiveness to her health and her strong, positive spirit were likely the secrets to her longevity.

At the age of 111, she resided in a nursing facility in Hamamatsu City. Even while using a wheelchair, she can support herself to stand and is able to eat independently with some assistance.

Her family spans four generations, including four children, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

In late February 2025, following the passing of Hamamatsu City’s previous oldest resident (111, name undisclosed), Furuhashi became the city’s oldest living person.

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 27 March 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

(All biographical information and photos of Mrs. Furuhashi were generously provided by her family.)

GALLERY