BIOGRAPHY

Oikawa was born in Iwate Prefecture on 20 February 1889. In her 20s, she married Ritaro Oikawa and the couple opened and ran an inn together.

Oikawa was widowed shortly after the end of World War I; she ran the inn and raised her three children independently.

As a centenarian, Oikawa enjoyed trips to hot springs, which was a lifelong hobby of hers. In March 1999, she became the longevity recordholder of Iwate Prefecture after surpassing the age of Seki Kitamura.

Towards the end of 2000, Oikawa was hospitalised with pneumonia, later being discharged in July 2001. According to her family, she was strict, but dedicated and hardworking.

Oikawa died of acute heart failure in Ofunato, Iwate, on 3 January 2002 at the age of 112 years, 317 days. She was believed to be Japan’s second-oldest resident after Kamato Hongo, but due to Hongo’s claimed age being called into question, she is now regarded as Japan’s oldest living person from August 2001 until her death. Her Iwate longevity record was broken by Tae Ito in May 2016.

RECOGNITION

On Keiro no hi (Respect for the Aged Day) in September 2001, Oikawa toasted her favourite plum wine with the mayor of Ofunato, who visited her home to celebrate her longevity.

Oikawa’s age was verified by Yasuhiko Saito and was later validated by the GRG.

ATTRIBUTION

• Yomiuri News Paper ( Regional Version ( Hokkaido ) ) 1999/9/16 Page 26

• Matsuno Oikawa, Japan’s 2nd oldest person, dies at 112

GALLERY