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World's oldest man in Japan celebrates 116th birthday | World's oldest man in Japan celebrates 116th birthday |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Japanese man Jiroemon Kimura, who holds the distinction of being the world's oldest living person, is celebrating his 116th birthday on Friday. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Japan is also home to the world's oldest living woman, Misao Okawa, who is 115 years old. |
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