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Japanese woman confirmed as world’s oldest person aged 116
TOKYO, March 9, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A 116-year-old Japanese woman who still
enjoys studying math and playing board games has been recognised as the
world’s oldest person, the Guinness World Records said Saturday.
Kane Tanaka was born on 2 January 1903, the year when the Wright brothers
launched humanity’s first powered flight, according to Guinness.
Tanaka’s recognition was celebrated at the nursing home where she lives in
western Japan’s Fukuoka by city mayor Soichiro Takashima and other well-
wishers.
Asked what moment she was the most happy in life, she replied: “Now.”
She married Hideo Tanaka in 1922, giving birth to four children and
adopting a fifth.
Kane normally wakes each morning at 6 am and passes the afternoons by
studying mathematics and practicing 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.
Japan has one of the world’s highest life expectancies and has been home to
several people recognised as among the oldest humans to have ever lived.
They include Jiroemon Kimura, the longest-living man on record, who died
soon after his 116th birthday in June 2013.
The oldest verified person ever — Jeanne Louise Calment of France — died
in 1997 at the age of 122, according to Guinness.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1604 hrs