World’s oldest person dies in Japan

Tokyo: A Japanese woman who was certified as the world’s oldest person died on Monday at the age of 119, according to local officials.

The same year the Wright brothers flew for the first time and Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, Kane Tanaka was born in southwest Fukuoka, Japan.

Tina Tanaka recently moved into a nursing home where she enjoyed board games, math problems, soda and chocolate.

Tanaka used to own a noodle and rice cake shop. She married Hideo Tanaka in 1922, had four children, and adopted a fifth.

The pandemic prevented her from taking part in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

When she learned she was the oldest person alive in 2019, she was asked about her happiest moment. “Now.”

Her daily routine included a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call and afternoons spent studying mathematics and calligraphy.

“One of Kane’s favourite pastimes is a game of Othello, and she’s become an expert at the classic board game, often beating rest-home staff,” Guinness said.

Tanaka’s life was lauded by local governor Seitaro Hattori on April 19.

In a statement on Monday, he said, “I was looking forward to seeing Kane-san on this year’s Respect for the Aged Day (a national holiday in September) and celebrating together with her favourite soda and chocolate.”

“I am extremely saddened by the news.”

According to the World Bank, Japan has the world’s oldest population, with 28% of those over 65.

The oldest person ever verified by Guinness was Jeanne Louise Calment, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.

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