Oldest Man in Japan

Any of us would certainly be contented and happy if we reach the age of 70. Maybe even the retirement age is sufficient. By that time, I suppose, we already have done the things we want to do in our lifetime. My grandpa is already in his mid-90s and has been telling all of us that he is ready to die because he thinks he has achieved the happiness he needs in this world. However, the more he says it, the more he looks to be so energized each day.

Tomoji Tanabe, the world's oldest male from Japan, wants to live much longer and doesn't want to die even at the age of 111. He received a certificate from the Guinness World Records at a ceremony.

Tanabe, who lives in the southern city of Miyakonojo, took the title in January following the death of Puerto Rico's Emiliano Mercado Del Toro, who at 115 was also the oldest human. But Tanabe, born Sept. 18, 1895, was certified by Guinness only earlier this month, according to Kyodo News agency.

Tanade, a former city land surveyor, thanked his children and grandchildren for caring for him over the years and described Monday's event as "nothing special."

Coincidentally, the world's oldest person, a woman, is also Japanese. Yone Minagawa, 114, was born Jan. 4, 1893.

The number of Japanese living beyond 100 has almost quadrupled in the past 10 years, with the once-exclusive centenarian club expected to exceed 28,000 this year. Experts often attribute the longevity to a Japanese diet rich in vegetables and fish.

-->