Olympic torchbearer at 109, now Japan’s oldest citizen at 114: About former doctor Shigeko Kagawa

At 114, Shigeko Kagawa remains mentally active, reading newspapers daily with the help of a magnifying glass. (Image: @Olympics/X)

The title of Japan’s oldest living person was officially bestowed upon Shigeko Kagawa, aged 114, by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, following the passing of Miyoko Hiroyasu, also aged 114.

Kagawa, formerly an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Nara Prefecture, earned national attention in 2021 when she carried the Olympic torch at 109, becoming one of the oldest torchbearers in the Games’ history.

She graduated from medical school prior to World War II, served at a hospital in Osaka during the conflict, and subsequently managed her family clinic until retiring at the age of 86. According to a local television interview, her family emphasised that she follows a simple and disciplined lifestyle — rising and sleeping at fixed times and eating three modest, balanced meals every day.

Beyond her medical career, Kagawa was known for her dedication to patients. She kept a telephone by her bedside throughout her practice and would respond at all hours to calls from expectant mothers in need. Even in retirement, former patients would occasionally recognise her in the street and express gratitude for her life-saving work, according to LongeviQuest. 

Asked previously about the secret of her long life, Kagawa said: “When I was a doctor, there were no cars […] so I used to wear clogs and walk a lot when I went to see a doctor. Maybe that’s why I’m strong and healthy.”

In 2023, she told TOS News: “I just play every day. My energy is my greatest asset. I go where I want, eat what I want and do what I want. I’m free and independent.”

At 114, she remained mentally active, reading newspapers daily with the help of a magnifying glass — a habit recommended by longevity groups such as LongeviQuest. 

Her predecessor, Miyoko Hiroyasu, born in January 1911 in Oita Prefecture, passed away in late July 2025 at 114 years and 187 days. Hiroyasu was an art teacher in Hiroshima, raised three children, and spent her final years in a nursing home enjoying reading, sketching and card games, according to The Independent. On her 113th birthday, she reflected: “I am grateful to be healthy.”

Despite a declining overall population, Japan continues to be home to a growing proportion of elderly citizens. As of September 1, 2024, nearly 36 million citizens — or 29% of the total population — were aged 65 or older, with 10% aged 80 and above. The nation also counts 95,119 centenarians, the highest number per capita worldwide, according to AP.