Japan’s Oldest Woman Dies At 115, Continued Working As An Obstetrician Into Her 80s

Japan’s oldest living person has died at 115, and it has been revealed that she had been working until she was in her 80s.

Shigeko Kagawa, who lived in Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, passed away on Aug 27 at the age of 115. Born on May 28, 1911, she became Japan’s oldest living person in July 2025, according to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Shigeko spent much of her life working as an obstetrician and a doctor specialising in internal medicine. Even after turning 80, she remained active in the medical field. 

During her years in obstetrics, she often travelled to see patients, including late at night and on holidays. She once said that her active lifestyle may have helped keep her energetic in her later years.

When asked about her secret to longevity after becoming Japan’s oldest person, Shigeko had kept it simple, and had said there was “no particular secret” and that she had never done anything special.

And even at 110, she was still making memories, taking part in the Tokyo Olympics torch relay in 2021 in a wheelchair.

Following her death, 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto, who lives in Kyoto, is now Japan’s oldest living person.

For Shigeko, reaching 115 was only part of her story. Her decades-long career in medicine and active lifestyle well into her later years made her life all the more extraordinary.

Photos: am730, @gorin/ X