Tokyo's 'oldest man' died 30 years ago

japan

A man listed as the oldest-living male in Tokyo died some 30 years ago, city officials said after his body was found mummified.

Police visited the home of Sogen Kato at the request of officials updating a list of centenarians before Respect for the Elderly Day in September. Kato was born on 22 July 1899.

Welfare officials tried to meet Kato earlier this year, but his family repeatedly chased them away. Officials alerted the police, who forced their way in. They said a mummified body believed to be Kato was in bed, dressed in underwear and pyjamas, and covered with a blanket.