BIOGRAPHY

Tokuji Tanigaki was born on 8 November 1914 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, as the second son among six siblings.

After World War II, he dedicated himself to welfare and land improvement projects in his hometown of Hikami Town. In 1953, he helped to establish a daycare center as an agricultural childcare facility, contributing to its operation for over 60 years. During the 1980s, he also served as a town councilor.

On 18 September 2014, less than two months before his 100th birthday, Hyogo Prefecture officials visited his home to deliver a congratulatory letter from the governor. Except for a head surgery at the age of 96 after a bicycle accident, he had never been hospitalized before turning 100. He had a hearty appetite, enjoyed meat and fried foods, and expressed a strong will to continue living energetically upon reaching 100, stating: “I feel like I’ve been reborn and want to keep striving.”

At the age of 103, his wife was still alive, and Tanigaki made it a daily routine to push her wheelchair around the neighborhood and to local shrines. He not only maintained a youthful mindset but also kept his body active and strong, which allowed him to continue these daily routines. When asked about the secrets to his longevity, he said: “Do what you enjoy, don’t dwell on worries, solve problems the same day, and embrace new ideas from younger generations.” He also attributed his youthful vigor to thinking of himself as being in his 50s, even past the age of 100.

Tanigaki currently resides in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

RECOGNITION

On 17 November 2022, after the passing of 110-year-old Susumu Sego, Tanigaki became the oldest living man in Hyogo Prefecture.

His age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Ryohei Asano, Marco Wikkerink, and Yumi Yamamoto, and validated by LongeviQuest on 19 December 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Tamba City Social Welfare Council” – Tamba City, November 2017

* “１１月に１００歳、谷垣徳次さん　県部長らがお祝い　「生まれ変わった気持ちで」　氷上” – Kobe Shimbun, 9 September 2014

GALLERY