http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32142212She died in a nursing home in Osaka, the city she was born in on 5 March 1898.
She is survived by three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ms Okawa was recognised in 2013 as the world's oldest living person, as well as the world's oldest living woman, by Guinness World Records.
While celebrating her birthday earlier this month, Ms Okawa said that 117 years did not seem such a long time.
She also said the key to a long life was getting at least eight hours of sleep a night and eating sushi - her favourite food.
She said she particularly enjoyed mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.
Her birthday celebration was shown on national television in Japan.
Born to a kimono-maker, Mrs Okawa married her husband Yukio in 1919. They lived in Kobe where he ran a business. When he died in 1931. she moved back to Osaka.
She lived across three centuries, seeing four emperors of Japan, six British monarchs, and 20 US presidents.
