Saturday 20 April 2013

World's oldest man in Japan celebrates 116th birthday


Japanese man Jiroemon Kimura, who holds the distinction of being the world's oldest living person, is celebrating his 116th birthday on Friday.

Mr Kimura, born on 19 April 1897, is believed to be the last known man to have lived across three centuries. He worked as a postman until he was 65 years old before taking up farming until he was 90.

Guinness World Records has certified Mr Kimura as the world's oldest living person and the oldest living man.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a video message to Mr Kimura that "it is absolutely amazing" to have his two records. The mayor of Kyotango City in western Japan where Mr Kimura lives also dropped by for a visit.

Mr Kimura currently lives at home under the care of his grandson's widow and eats his meals thrice a day. He has 14 grandchildren and dozens of great- and great-great grandchildren, reports say.

He is one of only 12 people in the world still alive who was born before the turn of the 20th century, says the BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Tokyo.

Japan is also home to the world's oldest living woman, Misao Okawa, who is 115 years old.

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