Oldest man in recorded history Jiroemon Kimura dies in Japan aged 116
Title of world's oldest person now goes to 115-year-old Japanese woman Misao Okawa
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The oldest known person in the world has died in Japan, aged 116.
Jiroemon Kimura, born on 19 April 1897, had been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person and the oldest man ever.
Officials in Kyotango, Japan, said he died in a local hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
He became the oldest man ever on 28 December last year, when, at the age of 115 years and 253 days, he beat the record set by Christian Mortensen, a Danish immigrant to the United States, who lived from 1882 to 1998.
Another Japanese national, 115-year-old Misao Okawa, now becomes the world's oldest living person.
Okawa, of Osaka, was born on 5 March 1898.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said: "Jiroemon Kimura was an exceptional person. As the only man to have ever lived for 116 years — and the oldest man whose age has been fully authenticated — he has a truly special place in world history."
Kyotango officials said that Kimura's funeral would be held on Friday.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments