https://longeviquest.com/2025/10/tomi-ono-112-yamanashi-japan/

Mrs. Tomi Ōno (大野とみ), 112, the Oldest Living Person in Yamanashi, Japan

LongeviQuest had the opportunity to speak with the family of Tomi Ōno (大野とみ), a 112-year-old resident of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Through their stories, we learned about her resilience in later life and her peaceful days in her hometown of Tsuru.

Early Life and Wartime Years

Tomi Ōno (Japanese: 大野とみ) was born in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture, on 24 February 1913, as one of eight siblings. She spent many years living in Tokyo, including during her marriage. During World War II, she and her husband remained at their home in Shinagawa rather than evacuating. The Nishi-Oi area of Shinagawa Ward, where she lived, fortunately escaped major damage during the Tokyo air raids, and she was able to survive the war.

In her 70s, she began sharing her wartime experiences as a storyteller, contributing to her community by passing her memories on to younger generations.

Tomi Ōno, age 93, on Setsubun Day.

Return to Her Hometown of Tsuru and Improved Health

After her husband’s death, Ōno continued to live alone in Tokyo until the age of 87. When her health significantly deteriorated, she returned to her hometown of Tsuru and began living with her nephew and his wife.

Although she had not paid much attention to her meals when living alone—often keeping them simple for convenience—her condition noticeably improved after returning to Yamanashi, thanks to the balanced meals prepared by her nephew’s wife and the natural environment of Tsuru.

As seen among other supercentenarians in Japan, she tended to avoid foods that didn’t suit her taste—a reflection of her strong will and independent nature. According to her family, she generally ate what was served to her and especially enjoyed eel.

Her family describes her as someone who enjoys calligraphy and painting and has always been skilled at sewing. Even after turning 100, she often made clothes by hand using simple, familiar materials, always cherishing the things around her.

Tomi Ōno at age 101, in the garden of her home with seasonal flowers in the background.

Her Later Years

At the age of 103, after a fall that required hospitalization, Ōno decided to move into a nursing home, where she has lived ever since.

In September 2025, she was officially recognized as the oldest living person in Yamanashi Prefecture. On this occasion, the Mayor of Tsuru visited her and presented a congratulatory message from the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Tomi Ōno, age 112, in September 2025, recognized and celebrated as the oldest living person in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Insights from Her Family

Her family believes that her longevity can be attributed to her strong sense of independence—especially her lifelong belief in not being a burden to others—her inner strength, her honest and free-spirited personality, and the nutritious meals and comfortable environment provided by the nursing home where she spends her later years.

Lessons from Her Long and Healthy Life

Through conversations with her family, we learned that Ms. Ōno shares several characteristics often seen among Japan’s longest-lived individuals.

• She has a strong will and expresses her thoughts honestly, always acting according to her beliefs.

• Even after turning 100, she continued to engage enthusiastically in creative activities such as sewing and painting, keeping both her hands and mind active.

• She has maintained a disciplined attitude and a strong sense of self-control, striving not to burden her family or others.

• Like many other Japanese supercentenarians, she tends to avoid foods that do not suit her taste.

Although she experienced a serious decline in her health in her late 80s, she regained her strength thanks to the warm support of her family and the rich natural environment of Yamanashi Prefecture. She is now recognized as the oldest living person in the prefecture and lives peacefully at a nursing home in Tsuru, where she receives attentive care.

With her family at their home in Tsuru, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.