https://longeviquest.com/2025/05/ichi-kubota-iwates-oldest-living-person-celebrates-her-112th-birthday/

Ichi Kubota (久保田イチ), Iwate’s Oldest Living Person, Celebrates Her 112th Birthday

Japanese supercentenarian Ichi Kubota (久保田イチ) celebrated her 112th birthday on May 30, 2025, in her lifelong hometown of Tarō, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. As the oldest known living person in the prefecture, she continues to be a quiet presence in the Sanriku coastal region, which she has called home for more than a century.

Witness to a Century of Change in Sanriku

Born on May 30, 1913, Kubota has lived her entire life in Tarō. Over the decades, she has witnessed major changes in Japan and experienced some of its most devastating natural disasters. Notably, she survived both the 1933 Sanriku Earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. During the 2011 disaster, she evacuated to a hilltop temple and later stayed at the care facility where she had been receiving day services. Though she was unable to see her family for nearly six months, she is said to have remained calm and positive throughout the difficult time.

Daily Habits and Strong Roots

Kubota married at 21 and raised eight children. Until her early 70s, she helped run her family’s dry-cleaning business. Even after retirement, she remained active by playing gateball, a Japanese team sport similar to croquet, every morning and afternoon—soaking up the sun until the 2011 earthquake interrupted her routine. Her family believes this lifestyle helped support her long life and strong constitution. She was able to walk independently until the summer of her 110th year, and her favorite food was sea urchin, a regional delicacy.

Peaceful Days at 112

Today, Kubota lives in a nursing facility in Miyako City, where she is reported to be doing well and spending her days peacefully under the care of longtime staff. For more than 50 years, she has regularly consumed Lipovitan D, a popular Japanese energy drink. It is now served in a thickened form by caregivers to aid digestion and safety. According to her family, she also enjoys drinks like strawberry milk and apple juice—simple pleasures she still enjoys.

On her 112th birthday, Kubota was visited by her grandchildren, who brought warm wishes and spent time by her side to celebrate the occasion.

Happy 112th birthday!