World’s oldest man dies in Japan at 112

TOKYO: A Japanese man recently named the world’s oldest living male has died aged 112, a local official said yesterday.

Chitetsu Watanabe (pix), who was born on March 5, 1907 in Niigata, north of Tokyo, died on Sunday at his nursing home in the same prefecture, the official said.

The news came less than two weeks after he was officially recognised by Guinness World Records.

Watanabe, who had five children, said the secret to longevity was to “not get angry and keep a smile on your face”.

Yoko Watanabe, his daughter-inlaw, said: “I’ve lived together with him for over 50 years, and I’ve never seen him raise his voice or get mad.”

“I think having lived with a big family under one roof, mingling with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, helped keep a smile on his face as well.”

He admitted a penchant for sweets such as custard pudding and ice cream.

Watanabe was also close to celebrating his 113th birthday on March 5.

But, the retired Japanese pensioner would have still been years away from clinching the title of oldest-ever man.

That honour is still held by another Japanese man, Jiroemon

Kimura, who was 116 years when he died on June 12, 2013.

The oldest man in Japan is now Issaku Tomoe, who is 110 years old, according to Jiji Press, although it was not clear if Tomoe holds the title globally.

The oldest living person is also Japanese, Kane Tanaka, a 117-yearold woman.

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.

The oldest verified person, Jeanne Louise Calment of France, died in 1997 at the age of 122, according to Guinness. – Agencies