At 110 years old, Yoshiko Miwa isn’t one to dwell on the negative aspects of life. As the oldest living person of Japanese descent in the United States, she has witnessed and endured significant historical events, including the Spanish flu, World War II, and the loss of loved ones. Yet, Miwa’s advice for longevity remains simple: Don’t dwell.
Born in Guadalupe, California, in 1914, to Japanese immigrants, Yoshiko Miwa’s life has been a testament to resilience and perseverance. Despite facing hardships such as the loss of her mother and infant brother at a young age, Miwa’s spirit remained unbroken. Sent to live in a children’s home founded by their parish, she learned the value of endurance and patience from a young age.
Miwa’s journey continued through education, marriage, and the challenges of World War II, including internment in Poston Internment Camp in Arizona. After the war, she and her husband faced difficulties finding work but eventually established a successful plant nursery business in Hawthorne, California.
Family has always been central to Miwa’s life. With three sons, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, she cherishes the warmth and love of her family unit. Despite the early loss of her mother, Miwa found solace and support in her relatives and later experienced the joy of building her own complete family.
Miwa’s approach to longevity encompasses both physical and mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of staying active, both mentally and physically, throughout life. Miwa herself has a diverse range of hobbies, from walking and participating in charity events to practicing traditional Japanese arts like ikebana and sumi-e.
One surprising aspect of Miwa’s daily routine is her love for noodles. Whether it’s spaghetti, udon, ramen, soba, or any other variety, she enjoys noodles every day. This simple pleasure, perhaps rooted in childhood memories from the children’s home, brings her daily joy and satisfaction.
Her faith has also played a significant role in her life. Grateful to the Guadalupe Buddhist Church for their support during her childhood, Miwa values the teachings and community she found there. The church provided not only spiritual guidance but also education in Japanese language, culture, and responsibility, shaping Miwa’s worldview and values.
As Miwa reflects on her life at 110, she radiates gratitude for the love and support of her family, the lessons learned from her community, and the simple joys that sustain her each day. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of resilience, perseverance, and gratitude in the face of life’s challenges.
Leave a Reply