BIOGRAPHY

Natsu Nakazono was born in Anna, Kitatane Village (now part of Nishinoomote), Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, on 31 May 1903. A hardworking woman, Nakazono raised three children on her own as a single mother. She had a hearty appetite throughout her life and enjoyed all types of food, even at the age of 105.

Nakazono had a passion for singing, and at 108, she performed the national anthem on behalf of her fellow residents at her nursing home’s 2011 sports day. After turning 109, she alternated between days of sleep and wakefulness. On days when she felt well, she delighted in singing enka songs, including “Sazanka no Yado.”

Natsu Nakazono passed away peacefully on 18 February 2014, at the age of 110 years and 263 days, at the nursing home where she resided.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano, and validated by LongeviQuest on 31 October 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “島内最高齢者！中園ナツさん（106歳）” – Nishinoomote City Newsletter, September 2009

* “「わがまちの宝物」本市最高齢者中園ナツさんが109歳の誕生日を迎えました” – Nishinoomote City Newsletter, July 2012

GALLERY