Minagawa became Japan's oldest person in April 2005, following the death of 114-year-old Ura Koyama. With the death of 114-year-old Emma Tillman on January 29, 2007, Minagawa became the world's oldest living person. She was 114 years 25 days old at the time. Following her death, then 114-year-old Edna Parker became the new world's oldest living person.