KAPAA — When Chiyeno Matsumoto woke at 5 a.m. Saturday, the first words she spoke were, “Today is my party.” “Yes, Chiyeno. Today is your party — it’s your birthday party,” said Josie Pablo, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital recreation director.
KAPAA — When Chiyeno Matsumoto woke at 5 a.m. Saturday, the first words she spoke were, “Today is my party.”
“Yes, Chiyeno. Today is your party — it’s your birthday party,” said Josie Pablo, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital recreation director. “Tomorrow will be your party, too, because you will be the Valentine’s Day queen at the hospital’s party.”
Matsumoto was greeted with lei and other gifts for her 103rd birthday. She also was visited by her nephew, William Matsumoto of Oahu, her primary caregiver.
Another visitor, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., brought her a proclamation, declaring Saturday as Chiyeno Matsumoto Day in honor of her long life.
“Chiyeno Matsumoto deserves a standing ovation and praise for her inspiration in life,” Carvalho said, finishing his visit with a rendition of “Furusato,” a Japanese folk tune. “We congratulate her on her unforgettable 103rd birthday and wish her many more years of health and happiness.”
After being born in Lihue on Feb. 14, 1913, Matsumoto moved to Japan for a period of time, but later returned to Kauai.
Single, she worked at Hanamaulu Cafe where she said she cut vegetables and “had a boyfriend in Miyake-san.” Her pastimes included cooking and gardening.
“I was going to get married,” the elder lady said in her strong voice. “But I got sick and called off the wedding.”
William said Chiyeno lived independently in her Lihue home until one day she fell. Her doctor recommended that she needed care and they moved her to Oahu where she was in home care.
“She said she wanted to come back to Kauai,” William said. “When Medicare took over, she moved back to Kauai, back to her Lihue home. When she needed care, we moved her to Tamayo Care Home and the people there arranged to have her at Mahelona Hospital where she is getting really good care.”
Pablo said Matsumoto always told her the secret to her long life was praying before each meal.
“You could hear her prayer before each meal,” Pablo said. “For her birthday, when we asked her what she wanted to eat, she said she wanted her favorite foods — bananas and candies.”
Pablo said when the sun rises today, it’ll be another party for Chiyeno Matsumoto — this time, as the Valentine’s queen for the hospital’s Valentine’s Day party for its residents.
