BIOGRAPHY

Ryū Sawazaki was born in the former town of Okabe (now part of the city of Fujieda), Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on 15 December 1902. A lifelong tea farmer, she remained physically active throughout her life. Even at the age of 109, she had strong legs and lived with her family at home, where she was reportedly able to do things independently, such as bathing. She also enjoyed weeding her garden and walking to the nearby beauty salon. Her teeth remained strong, and she reached 110 in good health with a hearty appetite.

At 110, her daily routine included watching sumo and soccer on TV. She attributed her longevity to eating everything, whether she liked it or not.

In September 2012, as the second-oldest person in Shizuoka Prefecture, Sawazaki was visited at her home by the mayor and other officials. She carefully prepared tea for them and expressed her gratitude by clasping her hands together.

Ryū Sawazaki passed away on 13 November 2013, at the age of 110 years, 333 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her death, she was the second-oldest living person in Shizuoka Prefecture, behind Teru Sugita.

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano and Yumi Yamamoto, and validated by LongeviQuest on 12 September 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “澤崎りう（さわざき　りゅう）－” – 全国高齢者名簿, Published in September 2003

* “109歳、沢崎さんに花束” – Shizuoka Shimbun, 20 September 2012

* “県内２番目の長寿＾109歳の澤崎りうさんを訪問～” – Fujieda City Newsletter, 5 October 2012

GALLERY