BIOGRAPHY

Nakanishi was born in Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture on 15 December 1901. During the World War II Battle of Okinawa in 1945, he lost his daughter and was wounded in his leg.

After the war’s end, Nakanishi worked as a plumber for around a decade, then went to farming. He was known to be a very hard worker.

At the age of 107, Nakanishi was living independently in his home, with a caregiver who visited thrice weekly. His daily habits included exercises and light stretching. Among his favourite foods was the traditional Okinawan dish of sanmainiku – braised pork belly. He prepared and ate his own meals, limiting his food intake so he rarely felt full.

In his later years, Nakanishi lived with his nephew. He always expressed gratitude to his caregiver, even after he became bedridden. His nephew said of him, “He had a difficult personality and was quiet, but he was earnest and kind at heart.”

Nakanishi died of old age in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture on 28 February 2013 at the age of 111 years, 75 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of his death, Nakanishi was the second-oldest living Japanese male after Jiroemon Kimura (1897 – 2013).

Nakanishi’s age was verified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), and was validated by the GRG on 4 October 2012.

ATTRIBUTION

• “県内男性最高齢者は浦添市在住の仲西眞苅さん！” – Urasoe City Public Relations October 2009 issue
• “県内男性最高齢111歳 仲西眞苅さん死去” – Okinawa Times, 12 March 2013

GALLERY