Japan’s Oldest Person Dies at 115 After Revealing the Habits She Believed Helped Her Live Long
Japan’s oldest person, Shigeko Kagawa, has died at the age of 115 after a remarkable life that included decades of work as a doctor.
Kagawa died on August 27, 2026, having lived through more than a century of major changes in Japan and around the world.
Before her death, she had shared what she believed helped her maintain a long and active life, pointing to walking and keeping the brain active as important habits.
Born on May 28, 1911, Kagawa graduated from Osaka Women’s Medical College, now known as Kansai Medical University, in 1934.
She later opened her own medical practice in Yamatokoriyama and worked as an obstetrician and gynaecologist into her eighties.
During her medical career, she also devoted herself to treating patients suffering from cholera.
Kagawa married in 1947 and welcomed a daughter the following year. Her family later grew to include grandchildren and a granddaughter-in-law.
Her long life also saw her make history several times.
In April 2021, at the age of 109 years and 10 months, Kagawa became the oldest Olympic torchbearer ever when she participated in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Despite her advanced age, she remained active. Although her hearing became impaired, she was still able to hold conversations clearly. Her eyesight also remained good enough for her to watch television and read newspapers.
Her habit of walking was something she had maintained for much of her life. During her years as a doctor, Kagawa would walk several miles to visit patients in their homes after receiving calls at her clinic.
Kagawa became Japan’s oldest living person in July 2025 following the death of a 114-year-old woman from Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture.
Her life and longevity have left behind a remarkable story of medicine, family, activity and dedication to her profession.