Kane Tanaka, the world’s oldest person, has died in Japan at the age of 119, as reported on Monday by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Tanaka was born on January 2, 1903, in the southwestern region of Fukuoka (Japan), being the seventh daughter. She was born the same year the Wright brothers first flew an airplane and Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
She married a rice shop owner at age 19 – Hideo Tanaka – and worked in the family store until she was 103 years old. He ran several businesses, including a noodle shop and a rice cake shop. The couple had four children and adopted a fifth.
Survived cancer twiceto two world wars, the Spanish flu of 1918 and the COVID-19 pandemic. She was selected to carry the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch, but her participation was canceled due to the coronavirus.
We’re sad to report that Kane Tanaka has passed away at the age of 119.
Kane was the oldest living person in the world.
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) April 25, 2022
Tanaka lived in a nursing home in his city, where he studied mathematics and practiced calligraphy. He was in relatively good health. until recently: he passed away in Fukuoka hospital, since he had fallen ill in recent months. “I was repeatedly in and out of the hospital. since the end of last year,” explained the family to the Japanese public channel NHK. Tanaka’s granddaughter, Junko, thanked “those who have supported us” on the Twitter account. Twitter he created for his grandmother.
【近況報告】
♀️
実は、最近体調を崩すことが増え、入退院を繰り返しています。そのような中でも、コーラやオロナミンC、チョコを食べたいと言って食べているようつ??
今は少しでも体調が良くなる事をただただ願っています?? pic.twitter.com/mEeXlc3pT1
— 田中カ子 (@tanakakane0102) April 13, 2022
Guinness World Record
At 116 years old, Kane Tanaka was recognized as the oldest living person in the world. According to the Guinness Record website, Tanaka was a few years after becoming the oldest woman in historytitle belonging to the French Jeanne Louise Calmentwho died at the age of 122 in 1997.
“The titles of oldest living person and oldest living person (female) are currently being investigated. More information will be announced when the next record holder is confirmed.” reports Guinness World Records.
Reactions of the authorities
The Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Seitaro Hattori, stated that he “gave hope and joy for longevity.” He recognized himself surprised by the “sudden news” and showed his pain. “He has survived five eras, from the Meiji era to the Reiwa era. While the mayor of the city also showed his condolences: “I learned the secret to live long and well”.