Toshi Horiya was born in Japan on 8 November 1897.
At some point, she moved into a nursing home in Amagi, Kagoshima Prefecture. The staff at the nursing home described her as a strict person who had a strong will and a black and white approach to things. Despite being over 100 years old, she maintained her independence, and her favorite food was fruits.
Horiya passed away in Amagi, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, on 4 February 2011, at the age of 113 years, 88 days.
On 12 January 2000, following the passing of Nuse Tamotsu, she was reported to be the oldest living person in Amagi Town.
Her age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), as well as Stefan Gelow, and validated by the GRG on 27 October 2008.
On 17 February 2010, following the passing of 112-year-old Chikao Beppu, she became the oldest living person in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Upon her passing, she was succeeded as the Prefecture’s oldest living person by Nabi Tajima.
* “敬老の日=100歳の声/天城町・堀谷トシさん” – Minami Nippon Shimbun, 15 September 1998
* “いつまでもお元気で” – Public relations magazine Amagi, October 2004 issue