BIOGRAPHY

Oto Michii （道井ヲト）was born in Japan on September 1, 1871 (July 17, Meiji 4, in the old calendar). She lived in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and gave birth to nine children—one son and eight daughters.

A devoted sumo fan, Michii also enjoyed watching cooking shows and historical dramas on television. Even after turning 100, she continued making traditional Japanese handballs (temari) as a hobby. She remained in excellent health throughout her life and never needed glasses. Her daily routine included waking up at 7 a.m. and going to bed at 8 p.m. She had no dietary preferences or aversions and ate three modest meals a day, never overindulging. According to her youngest daughter, Michii’s longevity was the result of a disciplined lifestyle and moderation.

At age 105, she still visited a nearby public bath once a week, went on regular temple visits with her daughter, and never missed a local election. She was known for her strong sense of personal order—she insisted on keeping her surroundings clean and tidy, and she always sat formally in the traditional seiza posture when greeting visitors. On her 108th birthday, she welcomed the mayor dressed in formal attire and seated properly in seiza.

By 1975, she was the oldest living person in Ishikawa Prefecture. In April 1980, following the death of Koharu Furuhira of Hokkaido, she became the oldest living person in Japan. However, because Shigechiyo Izumi’s age was officially recognized at the time, Michii was reported as the second-oldest person in the country and the oldest living woman.

She spent her final years at home under the care of her youngest daughter. At age 110, four of her children were still alive: her fourth daughter (age 79), fifth daughter (76), seventh daughter (72), and eighth daughter (67). She also had ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Oto Michii passed away from natural causes on January 10, 1982, at the age of 110 years and 131 days. After her passing, Toka Miyata of Kumamoto Prefecture became the oldest living person in Japan.

RECOGNITION

• In 1975, Michii was recognized as the oldest living person in Ishikawa Prefecture.
• In April 1980, following the death of Koharu Furuhira of Hokkaido, she became the oldest living person in Japan. However, due to the then-official recognition of Shigechiyo Izumi’s age, she was publicly reported as the second-oldest person in the country and the oldest living woman.

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 9 December 2014 and subsequently recognized by LongeviQuest.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY