Japan mourns the loss of its oldest resident, Fusa Tatsumi, at 116. A century of resilience and grace
Fusa Tatsumi, the oldest recognized individual in Japan, died at a care home in Osaka. At 116 years old, she was also the second oldest person in the world.
7:44 AM EST, December 13, 2023
Japan's oldest resident passes away
"I think she did incredibly well reaching that age," Tatsumi's oldest son, 76-year-old Kanji, told the local media.
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura expressed his condolences to the family. He reminisced about attending Tatsumi's birthday celebration, noting that Fusa maintained her health until the end.
"I still remember the vitality of Mrs. Fusa Tatsumi. I sincerely offer prayers for her soul," he shared.
Fusa Tatsumi was born on April 25, 1907, in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture as the fifth out of six siblings. After completing her education, she married Ryutaro, a farmer specializing in peaches and grapes. They had two children.
When her husband, Tatsumi, died at the age of 55, Fusa took over the farm operations herself. Her diligent efforts tending to the orchard and carrying heavy harvest baskets contributed to her physical stamina, which her family believes played a role in her longevity.
At age 70, Fusa suffered a significant injury, a broken thigh bone, the only severe injury of her lifetime. Tatsumi was healthy enough to live independently in her family home until 106, eating three balanced meals daily, mostly made up of vegetables, fish, and a minimal amount of meat.
The caregivers fondly remember her distinct care for her appearance. Even at 110, she did her makeup and styled her hair independently. Mentally sharp, she loved sharing stories. Towards the end of her life, her strength declined significantly, and she spent most of her time in bed or moving around in a wheelchair.
