Momu Okuma

BIOGRAPHY

Momu Okuma was born on 12 January 1874 in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. She married Yaozō Okuma, a police officer who later became the Chief of the Sapporo Police Station with the rank of Police Inspector. Due to her husband’s work, the couple moved to Hokkaido. They had one daughter.

To support her husband’s career, Momu entrusted their daughter to a teacher in Otaru and relocated by horse-drawn carriage to Nemuro, where her husband was stationed. A few years later, after her daughter graduated from school, she joined them in Nemuro, allowing the family to live together once again. The family enjoyed a life surrounded by fresh local seafood, such as salmon, trout, and crab.

As Yaozō served as the police chief, their home became a gathering place during celebrations like New Year’s, where subordinates would visit to pay their respects. Reflecting the customs of the time, companions were occasionally hired to serve sake to the guests during these gatherings.

Yaozō passed away in 1945 at the age of 78. After his passing, Momu continued to live a strong and independent life while cherishing her family. Even after turning 100, she paid close attention to her appearance and, out of respect for tradition, always wore a kimono when receiving visitors.

On 10 April 1980, following the passing of Koharu Kodaira at the age of 108, Momu was recognized as the oldest living person in Hokkaido Prefecture.

Momu Okuma passed away on 10 February 1984 in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, due to a heart attack at the age of 110 years and 29 days. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living person in Japan.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group.

ATTRIBUTION

＊Hokkaido Yearbook 1985 Edition
＊”根室懐旧” – ふるさと・西別川, September 1986
＊”長生きした人” 金属鉱山会, July 1988

GALLERY

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