The world’s oldest man died just two days after being awarded the title, at the age of 112, following the recent death of the 114-year-old previous holder.
Gisaburo Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, was crowned Japan’s oldest living man in November 2022, at the age of 111.
He died in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, China, but the cause of his death is unknown.
Sonobe’s long life spanned more than 41,000 days and, to add to the legacy he leaves behind, he was the world record holder for two of them.
The oldest man in the world lived through an impressive series of historical moments ranging from the beginning of the Taisho era with the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912, to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Gisaburo Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, was the oldest man in the world for two days before he died.
Sonobe’s predecessor died in November 2022, meaning they both survived two world wars and the Covid19 pandemic.
Japan has the highest rate of centenarians per population, believed to be over 90,000 people in a country of 125 million.
Previous studies have suggested that good nutrition, exercise, spirituality and a culture of caring for the elderly have contributed to this exceptional figure.
About 30 percent of Japan’s population is 65 years old or older, and 15 percent is 75 years old or older.
When records began in 1963, there were an estimated 153 centenarians.
The news of Sonobe’s death comes just three days after the death of the former oldest man in the world, Venezuelan Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, at 114 years old.
The Venezuelan Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, who died just three days ago, was the oldest man in the world at 114 years old.
Pérez was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living man on February 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days old.
Vicente was born in 1909 and was due to celebrate his 115th birthday on May 27.
Throughout his long and incredible life, Vicente witnessed several notable inventions, such as television and the Internet.
When he was 51 years old, a black and white identity photograph was taken for the first time.
His death was confirmed by Freddy Bernal, governor of the Táchira state in Venezuela where he died.
Bernal said on .
‘He will always be a symbol of goodness, wisdom and joy, that is why his legacy will live forever in our hearts and in our lives.
‘Rest in peace my dear old man, my Don Juan Vicente. We will never forget you.’
The new old man is yet to be confirmed, but is currently believed to be a 111-year-old British grandfather living in Merseyside.
John Tinniswood, who lives in a residence in Merseyside, is believed to be the world’s oldest man, aged 111.
John Tinniswood, who lives in a nursing home, is a World War II veteran who says the secret to his long life is a fish dinner every Friday.
The father of one will turn 112 on August 2, having been born in 1912, the same year as the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
The retired accountant also received a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla last year.
But this wasn’t the only time in his long life when he connected with royalty, as Tinniswood even met the late Queen Elizabeth, twice.
speaking to SunTinniswood’s family said: “To be alive at 111 is testament to his resilience, love of life, good humor and amazing survival instinct.”
Guinness World Records has said they are reviewing the evidence on the next world record holder for the title of oldest man, and will be able to confirm this in due course.
The oldest living person in the world is María Morena, from Spain, who is 117 years old.