Tag: Miho

LongeviQuest is pleased to announce the age validation of Miho Kumagai of Japan at age 111. She was born in Japan on 20 October 1912. In old age, Kumagai eventually transitioned to a specialized nursing home for the elderly. She is considered the oldest living person in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture.

In September 2019, she celebrated her 106th birthday at the nursing home, where she was visited by city officials who presented her with a congratulatory letter on behalf of the mayor in honor of Respect for the Aged Day. Kumagai graciously expressed her appreciation to the visitors, remarking, “You didn’t have to do all this for me.” Even at the age of 106, she maintained a diligent approach to her health, occasionally using a walker for mobility training when her condition allowed.

In September 2023, aged 110. (Source: Kobe City)
In September 2023, aged 110.
(Source: Kobe City)

In September 2023, Kumagai marked her 111th birthday at her nursing home, where she once again received a visit from city officials. They presented her with congratulatory gifts and a letter from the mayor in observance of Respect for the Aged Day. When inquired about the secret to her longevity, she humbly responded, “Because everyone is so good to me.”

For more information, please view Kumagai’s Directory Profile here.

LongeviQuest is pleased to announce the age validation of Miho Matsuzaki of Japan at age 110. She was born in Kokonoe, Ōita Prefecture, Japan on 18 April 1913. Matsuzaki was the eldest of nine children and the daughter of an elementary school principal. After graduating from elementary school, she attended Iwata Girls’ School (now Iwata Junior and Senior High School) in Ōita City, living in a dormitory. Following her education, she worked for several years as a post office assistant alongside relatives. In her early thirties, Matsuzaki married and eventually raised seven children. Upon marriage, she moved to Oguni Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, devoting herself to family responsibilities.

Despite undergoing cataract surgery in her 70s and experiencing occasional fractures, Matsuzaki has maintained remarkable health throughout her life. Until the age of 90, she devoted herself to caring for her husband and managing their household in the hot springs town of Oguni. Following her husband’s passing, she moved to Kumamoto City, where she embraced new hobbies like pencil painting and haiku composition. She also maintained her daily routine of reading newspapers. As a testament to her vitality, she even took a plane trip to Okinawa at the age of 100 to meet her newly-born great-grandchild.

In September 2023, aged 110. (Source: Yomiuri Shimbun)
In September 2023, aged 110.
(Source: Yomiuri Shimbun)

In the summer of 2023, a fall while brushing her teeth resulted in hospitalization and several stitches on her head. She underwent rehabilitation, regaining her mobility and ability to walk. In September 2023, she even met the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, demonstrating her continued engagement and zest for life. Matsuzaki is currently residing in a nursing home in Kumamoto City. She maintains her cognitive sharpness by actively participating in kanji and math drills and playing Othello games. She also enjoys visiting her home every few months and celebrated New Year’s Day in 2023 with her family.

On 25 January 2023, following the death of 113-year-old Shinobu Hayashi, she became the oldest living person in Kumamoto Prefecture.

For more information, please view Miho Matsuzaki’s Directory Profile here.