Toki, Gifu Prefecture, — Okagi Hayashi, recognized as Japan’s oldest person, passed away at the age of 115 on Saturday, April 26, 2025, due to heart failure, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced Monday. Hayashi, born on September 2, 1909, died in a hospital in her hometown of Toki, Gifu Prefecture.
Hayashi had been acknowledged as Japan’s oldest living person in December 2024, following the death of Tomiko Itooka, who was 116 and held the title of the world’s oldest person at the time. Hayashi’s longevity placed her among the ranks of Japan’s supercentenarians, a group of individuals aged 110 or older, which has grown in recent decades due to advancements in healthcare and living standards.
Japan is known for its high life expectancy, with the country having one of the world’s largest populations of centenarians. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of September 2024, Japan was home to over 90,000 centenarians, a number that has steadily increased over the years. The country’s aging population is attributed to factors such as a healthy diet, universal healthcare, and strong community support systems.
Following Hayashi’s passing, Mine Kondo, a 114-year-old resident of Kota, Aichi Prefecture, has been recognized as Japan’s oldest living person. Kondo, born in 1910, now holds the title as the nation’s longest-living individual, according to official records.
Hayashi’s death marks the end of an era for her community in Toki, where she was a respected figure. Her life spanned significant historical events, including Japan’s modernization, World War II, and the country’s postwar economic boom. While little has been publicly shared about her personal life, her longevity highlights Japan’s ongoing demographic trend of extended lifespans, which continues to shape the nation’s social and economic landscape.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has not released additional details about Hayashi’s life or family. Her passing has prompted condolences from local officials and community members in Gifu Prefecture, where she lived her entire life.
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