Kane Tanaka — The World’s Oldest Person Passed Away At 119

Recently, the woman who was recognized as the world’s oldest person (according to Guinness World Records) has passed away. Kane Tanaka left the Earth on April 19th, and the record-keeping organization said that her passing was due to recent health setbacks which led to a few hospitalizations and discharges.

Kane Tanaka’s 119 Birthday

Earlier in 2022, Tanaka celebrated her 119 birthday. She posted a message on Twitter that said she safely reached the age of 119 and also, that she managed to come this far with the support of many people. She also said she hopes people will continue to have fun and be cheerful and energetic.

The Story of Her Life

According to Guinness, Kane Tanaka was born, prematurely, on January 2nd of 1903. 19 years later, in January 1922, she married her husband whom she had never met prior to their wedding day. His name was Hideo Tanaka and they had four biological children together and also adopted a fifth child. While her husband served in the Second Sino-Japanese War, his wife was helping run the family business. They were making sticky rice, Udon noodles, and desserts. Later on, her first son, Nobuo, fought in World War II and was held captive until 1947 by the Soviet Union.

In a Tweet in April, the Guinness World Records, have confirmed that Kane Tanaka was the second oldest person they had on record. She became the oldest living person in January of 2019 when she was 116 and 28 days. The first oldest person they have on record is Jeanne Calment who lived to the age of 122. And now, the new oldest living person is Sister André. She’s a French nun who is currently 118 years and almost 100 days old.