Hayashi was born in the village of Tsumagi (now Tsumagicho, Toki City), Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on 2 September 1909. Her father was a grain wholesaler. After graduating from elementary school, she enrolled at Nakatsu Girls’ High School. At this point, she left her parents’ house and lived in a high school dormitory.

In her early 20s, Hayashi married an elementary school teacher. Her husband was adopted into the Hayashi family, so she never changed her maiden name. They lived in Hokkaido Prefecture until their first son was born, and then returned to Toki City where Hayashi took over her family’s grain wholesale business. The couple had nine children in total. She has been highly health-conscious since mid-life, drinking her homemade green juice every morning and exercising along with her husband. Until she was in her 80s, she enjoyed going on hot spring trips and gardening with her friends from school days.

Hayashi practiced calligraphy until she was a nonagenarian. She lived with her family in her home until she was 105. In September 2019, she had eight living children, 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. At the age of 112, she was still able to read newspapers and enjoyed completing puzzles.

Hayashi currently lives in Tsumagicho, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.