Tomoe Okada

BIOGRAPHY

Tomoe Okada was born in Japan on 3 May 1915. For many years, she has lived independently in her longtime home, supported by her second son and his wife, who live nearby.

Around the age of 100, Okada was still very active—tending to her garden, pulling weeds, and growing vegetables without using pesticides. “They’re safe, tasty, and fun to grow,” she said. She also managed household chores, solved math puzzles, and read the newspaper thoroughly every day.

At age 100, she received a congratulatory visit from the town mayor. On that occasion, she commented, “Before I knew it, I turned 100. On my birthday, everyone puts up carp streamers for me!”—a humorous nod to Children’s Day, celebrated annually on 5 May in Japan, when families raise colorful carp-shaped streamers to wish for children’s health and happiness.

In May 2025, she celebrated her 110th birthday at a day service center in Mitake Town, Gifu Prefecture. Her three sons and other family members gathered to mark the occasion. During the celebration, Okada spoke to attendees with her trademark humor, saying, “I turned 110 before I even realized it! Please live even longer than I have—don’t let me win!”

At 110, Okada continued to live alone. She walked with the aid of handrails, ate independently using chopsticks, and remained conversational despite some hearing loss. She had faced health challenges, including a cerebral infarction and a period of frailty caused by difficulty eating. Nevertheless, she recovered and maintained a stable condition thereafter.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Marco Wikkerink and Yumi Yamamoto, and validated by LongeviQuest on 26 May 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “★ご長寿おめでとうございます！” – Mitake Town newsletter, June 2015 issue

* “「知らんうちになっちまった」けらけら笑う110歳　岐阜県御嵩町の岡田巴さん誕生日会” – Chūnichi Shimbun, 3 May 2025

GALLERY

[crp limit=’4′ ]