BIOGRAPHY

Masao Musha was born in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, on 25 March 1906. After working at a post office, he devoted himself to growing cabbages in Tsumagoi Village until he was 70 years old.

Musha celebrated his 100th birthday in March 2006, with more than 50 people, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, gathering at a hotel to celebrate. The village assistant presented him with a commemorative gift. At that time, he lived with a large family of eight people from four generations, including his eldest son (74), grandson (51), and great-grandson (20).

Musha maintained an active lifestyle by reading newspapers daily and writing letters to his friends and family. He was not picky about food. Around the age of 98, he stopped smoking and reduced his alcohol consumption to once a week, focusing on his health. He believed that the secret to his longevity was hard work.

Musha passed away on 23 May 2016, in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture, at the age of 110 years, 59 days.

RECOGNITION

With the death of Washirō Tsukui of Tatebayashi City on 27 November 2011, Musha became the oldest living man in Gunma Prefecture at the age of 105.

On 17 December 2015, at the age of 109 years, 267 days, he surpassed the final age of Mataichi Ōno (4 May 1872 – 25 January 1982) of Maebashi, becoming the oldest man to have ever lived in Gunma Prefecture. In March 2016, he became the Prefecture’s first male supercentenarian.

His age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano, and validated by LongeviQuest on 28 May 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “武捨さん100歳　嬬恋村が慶祝状” – Jomo Shimbun, 27 April 2006

GALLERY