Supercentenarian Profile

Terumi Kanao

Born:

1914-06-20

Ikegawa, Kōchi Prefecture

Japan

Died:

2026-06-14

Niyodogawa, Kōchi Prefecture

Japan

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Terumi Kanao (Japanese: 金尾輝美) was a Japanese supercentenarian who was the oldest living resident of Kochi Prefecture at the time of her death. Her age has been validated by LongeviQuest.

BIOGRAPHY

Terumi Kanao (金尾輝美) was born on 20 June 1914, in Ikegawa-cho, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, as one of 13 siblings. In her early 20s, she married a man four years her senior, and together they raised six children while running a tofu shop alongside their farming work. Even after their children became independent, Kanao continued to enjoy growing vegetables in her home garden.

Following her husband’s passing at the age of 74, Kanao lived with her daughter. However, after her daughter passed away, she lived alone from the age of 94 to 100 for about six years. During this time, while receiving assistance from a caregiver, she led an independent, active, and cheerful daily life.

According to her family, Kanao never experienced any major illness or serious injury for most of her life. They attributed her longevity in part to her simple diet, which included rice, miso soup, salt-grilled fish, and Japanese-style vegetable stews made with home-grown produce. She avoided processed meats such as bacon and sausages and regularly consumed Yakuyo Yomeishu, a traditional medicinal health drink made with herbal ingredients and alcohol, until around the age of 106.

Kanao was deeply religious and often prayed whenever a family member became ill. Although she did not follow a formal exercise routine, she remained physically active through daily household chores, particularly cleaning and tidying. Her family described her as cheerful, strong-willed, and optimistic. Known for speaking her mind and rarely dwelling on difficulties, she was also fond of singing and dancing and often entertained those around her with her lively personality.

In her later years, Kanao resided at a hospital in Niyodogawa, Kōchi Prefecture, where she received care and enjoyed spending time with fellow residents, including several long-time acquaintances from her community.

Kanao passed away from pneumonia on 14 June 2026 at the age of 111 years and 359 days. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living resident of Kōchi Prefecture.

RECOGNITION

In September 2024, she was reported as the oldest living person in Kōchi Prefecture.

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