Ryū Yamane was born in Japan on 20 April 1909.

In September 1998, Yamane participated in a bowling event for individuals over 60, organized to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day. The event drew 44 attendees in that age bracket, with Yamane, aged 89, being the eldest among them. She entered a nursing home for the elderly sometime before reaching the age of 105.

A celebration was hosted at her nursing home in April 2014 to mark her 105th birthday. She enthusiastically broke open a kusudama (a hanging decorative ball that splits in half to release confetti, streamers, balloons, etc., at celebrations) and received a cake, flowers, and a decorative card. Despite being the eldest resident, she was described as the most spirited individual in the care home. The youngest resident was quoted as saying, “She’s always so lively. I can’t let her outdo me!” In September 2014, local officials paid Yamane a visit and presented her with flowers and congratulatory gifts to honor Respect for the Aged Day.

When questioned about the secret to her longevity at the age of 105, she responded, “I never intended to live this long, I just got this old before I knew it.” She continued, stating, “…I don’t eat alone. The gods and Buddha eat first, and then I eat. I dine with gratitude, expressing thanks to everyone. I attribute my long life to the gods and the Buddha.” On another occasion, she revealed that the key to longevity was taking deep, full breaths, advising, “Don’t forget to breathe!” In September 2016, the city congratulated her as the oldest resident of Kudamatsu. Upon receiving a bouquet of flowers from a city official, she repeatedly expressed her gratitude by saying “Thank you, thank you” and clasping her hands together.

In April 2020, on her 111th birthday, Yamane was given a piece of paper containing the 1890 Imperial Rescript on Education—a document she had once been able to recite from memory. She held the document in her hand and recited it aloud for those in attendance.

Ryū Yamane passed away in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, on 9 December 2020, at the age of 111 years, 233 days.