The world's oldest person dies in Japan at 119

• Image Credit: Internet

• Apr 25, 2022 | Dhupali Das

She had intended to participate in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 in a wheelchair, but the pandemic stopped her from doing so.

Digital Desk: A Japanese lady thought to be the world's oldest person died on Monday at the age of 119, local officials said, reporting the death of Kane Tanaka.

Kane Tanaka was born in the southwestern Fukuoka section of Japan on January 2, 1903, the same year the Wright brothers flew for the first time and Marie Curie became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize.

Tanaka, who resided in a nursing home and enjoyed board games, solving arithmetic problems, Pepsi, and chocolate, was in relatively good condition until recently.

Tanaka used to own and operate a noodle shop and a rice cake shop when she was younger. She married Hideo Tanaka in 1922 and had four children with him and adopted a fifth.

She had intended to participate in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 in a wheelchair, but the pandemic stopped her from doing so.

When she was named the oldest person alive in 2019 by Guinness World Records, she was questioned about the time in her life when she was the happiest. "Right now," she replied.

As per local media reports, her daily ritual includes a  6:00 am wake-up and afternoons spent studying mathematics and practising calligraphy.

"A game of Othello is one of Kane's favourite diversions, and she's become a master at the classic board game, frequently topping rest-home employees," Guinness said.

Following Tanaka's death on April 19, local governor Seitaro Hattori praised her life.

"I was planning to visit Kane-san on this year's Respect for the Aged Day (a national holiday in September) to celebrate the occasion with her favourite soda and chocolate," he said on Monday.

"The news has deeply devastated me," he added.

According to World Bank data, Japan has the world's oldest population, with roughly 28% of the population aged 65 and more.

Jeanne Louise Calment, a Frenchwoman, was the oldest living person verified by Guinness, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.