BIOGRAPHY

Yoshiko Takasu (高須よし子) was born on 21 June 1914 in Himeji City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, as the second eldest of five siblings in a farming family. Growing up surrounded by lush mountains, she developed a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors.

After completing her compulsory education, she dedicated herself to helping care for her younger siblings and assisting with farm work. In her 30s, she married and later opened a dining establishment, eventually transitioning to running a kappō-style restaurant until she was around 55 years old.

Around the age of 65, Takasu began attending a senior university program hosted by Himeji City, where she studied horticulture for six years. During her time there, she attended morning lectures, enjoyed lunches with friends at restaurants, and participated in monthly bus trips. She traveled to distant destinations like Nagano and Wakayama Prefectures and visited nearby Higashiyama Onsen in Hyōgo Prefecture monthly. Even after graduating, she continued to enjoy traveling into her 80s.

Takasu remained highly active even in her later years. After breaking her femur at the age of 100, she committed to rehabilitation and made daily walks with a walker part of her routine until her second femur fracture at the age of 108, which prompted her decision to move into a care facility. Before this, she lived independently for nearly 40 years. While living alone, she maintained a disciplined routine, having breakfast at 6 a.m. and going to bed by 10 p.m. She often requested meat-based dishes from her home care worker, preferring smaller portions of rice and plenty of meat.

Takasu’s love for nature endured throughout her life. Even at the age of 104, she ventured into the mountains of Tottori Prefecture with friends, hiking and foraging for wild plants.

Takasu’s home was a lively social hub, featuring a karaoke room where she hosted gatherings with friends. Known for her nurturing and approachable “big sister” personality, she cherished spending time with her close-knit circle of companions.

As of January 2025, Takasu used a wheelchair but was still able to walk unaided on her 110th birthday. Reflecting on her longevity, she remarked, “I worked hard when I was younger, so my legs and hips are strong.” Even at 110, she maintains a robust appetite, enjoys a wide variety of foods.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of a 111 years-old anonymous woman on 14 January 2025, Takasu became the oldest living resident of Himeji City.

Her age was verified by MHLW Japan, Yumi Yamamoto and Ryohei Asano, and validated by LongeviQuest on 29 January 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

(The biography of Yoshiko Takasu was compiled entirely through interviews with her family.)

GALLERY