Miyo Koganezaki

BIOGRAPHY

Miyo Koganezaki was born on 1 January 1905, in Shiroishi Village (now Sapporo City), Hokkaido, Japan. At some point, she lived with her family in Iwasaki Village, Aomori Prefecture, and at the age of 17, she married a farmer in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. Together, the couple raised six children.

In her 80s, Koganezaki continued working in agriculture until her husband passed away. She then lived independently until she was 102 years old. She led a fulfilling and active life, waking up at 6 a.m., going to bed at 8 p.m., and often pushing a cart to go shopping or attend day care. She did all her own cooking and laundry and, until the age of 96, even went to the mountains to pick wild vegetables.

Despite being over 100 years old, Koganezaki loved meat and always made a conscious effort to eat slowly and mindfully. She did not drink alcohol or hot beverages. She credited her long and healthy life to “walking a lot, chatting with friends, and enjoying delicious meals.”

At the age of 102, she moved to Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, to live with her fourth son. Koganezaki continued living at home and attending day care services until she fell ill at the age of 108. She maintained a strong appetite, with salted squid being one of her favorite foods, and she enjoyed singing folk songs during day care visits.

Miyo Koganezaki passed away on 8 June 2015, from old age, at the age of 110 years, 158 days.

RECOGNITION

On 18 June 2024, following the passing of 110-year-old Hiteno Takikawa, she became the oldest living person in Hokkaido Prefecture. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Chiyo Watanabe.

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano, and validated by LongeviQuest on 16 November 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “黄金崎ミヨ（船作）が百歳を迎えました” – Fukaura Newsletter, October 2005 issue

* “道内最高齢110歳・黄金崎さん死去「よく生きて…感謝」” – Hokkaido Shimbun, 10 June 2015

GALLERY

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