Supercentenarian Profile

Tsuru Kamori

Born:

1901-01-30

Gifu Prefecture

Japan

Died:

2011-05-08

Tokyo

Japan

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Tsuru Kamori was a Japanese supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Tsuru Kamori (嘉森靏) was born on 30 January 1901 in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. She was the oldest living resident of Nerima Ward, Tokyo, at the time of her death.

At the age of 109, she was interviewed by an elementary school girl researching the secrets of longevity. According to the report, Kamori continued to enjoy shigin (the traditional Japanese art of reciting Chinese poems) as a hobby. The breathing techniques involved in shigin, together with having a meaningful pastime, appeared to be among the factors contributing to her longevity.

Until suffering a fracture at the age of 108, she went out almost every day, enjoying shopping trips to Ginza—one of her favorite places—and taking daily walks around her neighborhood. Even after her injury, she remained optimistic and worked hard in rehabilitation, refusing to give up on walking again.

She was known for her cheerful personality, often laughing and caring for those around her. She also remained interested in current events and enjoyed watching television. She was not a picky eater and enjoyed a wide variety of foods, with grilled eel (unagi) being her favorite.

In an interview with the journal of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine at the age of 104, she shared her philosophy on life:

“Everything in life unfolds through fate and the connections we make. So even if something unpleasant happens, don’t dwell on it or become discouraged. Time will resolve everything, so there’s nothing to gain from feeling down.”

She reportedly smiled brightly after saying these words.

Kamori passed away on 8 May 2011 in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 110 years and 98 days.