Misao Okawa

Misao Okawa (March 5, 1898 – January 1, 2015) was a Japanese supercentenarian who lived through nearly three centuries of world history and briefly held the distinction of being the world's oldest living person. Born in Osaka, Japan during the Meiji period, Okawa witnessed Japan's modernization, its imperial expansion, military defeats, and postwar reconstruction. Her long life spanned from the era of horse-drawn carriages to the age of the internet. Okawa married Yukio Okawa and together they had four children; she lived to see and know her grandchildren and great-grandchildren across multiple generations. She became an international symbol of longevity and human resilience, particularly celebrated in Japan where respect for elders is culturally paramount. At age 117 years and 41 days, Okawa became the world's oldest verified living person, briefly holding the record before her death on New Year's Day 2015. Her longevity was attributed to a combination of factors including genetics, a modest and healthy diet (particularly her fondness for sushi and cocoa), regular mental engagement, and strong family bonds. Okawa's remarkable lifespan made her a living repository of 20th-century Japanese history and contributed to gerontological research on human aging and life extension.