On Monday, news outlets citing local officials stated that a Japanese woman, known as the world’s oldest person, died at the age of 119. Kane Tanaka is said to have been born on January 2, 1903, in Japan’s southwestern Fukuoka region. At the age of 116 years and 28 days, she became the world’s oldest living person in January 2019. She is also the second-oldest person ever recorded, behind Jeanne Calment, who lived to reach 122 years old. The news has surfaced on the internet and has gained the attention of the netizens. Check what we know about it.

Following the announcement of the sudden passing of the oldest Japanese woman, social media witnessed an outflow of tributes and condolence messages. Many people already knew about her, many started searching for her on the internet which made the deceased woman land in the headlines. Tanaka was claimed to be in good health until recently, and she was a resident of a nursing home where she enjoyed board games, math problems, Pepsi, and chocolate. Her regular regimen includes waking up at 6 AM and studying mathematics and practicing calligraphy in the evenings.

When Kane Tanaka was young, she ran several businesses that included a rice cake store and a noodle shop. In 1922, Tanaka married Hideo Tanaka. The couple share four children and went on to adopt another one. Thus, they raised five children together. As per reports, Tanaka had planned to use a wheelchair to take part in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, the pandemic spoiled her plan as it prevented her from doing so. In 2019, the Guinness World Records recognized Tanaka as the oldest person alive. When she was asked about the moment she felt the happiest in life, she answered “now”.

Following Tanaka’s death on April 19, local governor Seitaro Hattori praised her life. “I was looking forward to visiting Kane-san on this year’s Respect for the Aged Day (a September national holiday) and celebrating with her favorite soda and chocolate,” he said in a statement on Monday. “I am deeply disturbed by the news,” he expressed his sorrow. 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 when she died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. Our team pays the woman sincere and deepest tributes and extends condolences to her family.