The world's oldest human being, Kane Tanaka, has celebrated her 119th birthday in a nursing home on Sunday.

The Japanese supercentenarian, who was born on January 2, 1903, was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person at 116 years old in March 2019.

Additionally, she achieved an all-time Japanese age record when she turned 118 last year.

Eiji, her 62-year-old grandson, said that he wishes his grandmother to remain healthy.

“I would like to personally congratulate her soon,” he said.

”I hope she remains healthy and has fun every day as she grows older.”


Mrs Tanaka has been holding the title for three years following the death of Chiyo Miyako — another Japanese supercentenarian, who previously held the title — died on July 22, 2018 at the age of 117.

However, it should be noted that Mrs Tanaka is not considered the oldest person to have ever lived as French supercentenarian Jeanne Louise Calment — who lived to 122 years — held the title.


Guinness World Records reported that Mrs Tanaka married Hideo Tanaka in 1922.

The couple had four biological children and one adopted child.

It was said that the Japanese supercentenarian worked in a store selling shiruko and udon noodles with her husband during World War II.

After her husband and son died during the war, Mrs Tanaka continued selling food until she retired at the age of 63.

It was also revealed that Mrs Tanaka is fond of solving number puzzles to keep her brain active and is a fan of soft drinks and chocolate. Her goal is to reach the age of 120.

Her family said that the supercentenarian's goal is to live to 120 years.

Meanwhile, the oldest man to have ever lived, Jiroemon Kimura, was also of Japanese origin. It was reported that he was born in 1897 and died of natural causes at the age of 116 years and 54 days in 2013.

To find out why Japanese people often live so long, here’s a video explaining their diet and lifestyle.