Guinness World Records revealed that a Japanese 112-year-old, who briefly held the title of the world’s oldest man for two days, actually passed away before his predecessor and never officially held the title.
Gisaburo Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, was recognized as Japan’s oldest living man in November 2022, at the age of 111. He died in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, at the end of March, missing the opportunity to become the world’s oldest man after Juan Vicente Pérez, aged 114, passed away on April 2.
Initially, it was reported that Sonobe held the title for only two days before his demise. However, Guinness clarified that this wasn’t accurate. While Sonobe didn’t attain the title of the world’s oldest man, his life spanned significant historical events, from witnessing the beginning of the Taisho era with Emperor Meiji’s death in 1912 to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Gisaburo Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, was declared Japan’s oldest living man in November 2022.
Sonobe lived for over 41,000 days, during which he witnessed the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
He died in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, though the cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Sonobe’s predecessor in Japan passed away in November 2022, marking their survival through two world wars and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Japan boasts the highest rate of centenarians per population, estimated to exceed 90,000 individuals in a country of 125 million. Previous studies have suggested that factors such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, spiritual practices, and a societal emphasis on elderly care contribute to this remarkable statistic.
Approximately 30 percent of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older, with 15 percent aged 75 and above. When records were first compiled in 1963, there were an estimated 153 centenarians.
The news of Sonobe’s passing comes shortly after the death of the world’s oldest man, Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez Mora, at the age of 114. Perez was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living man on February 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days old.
Juan Vicente Perez Mora, the Venezuelan who passed away just three days ago, held the title of the former world’s oldest man at the age of 114.
Vicente, born in 1909, was slated to celebrate his 115th birthday on May 27.
Throughout his extensive and remarkable life, Vicente bore witness to numerous groundbreaking inventions such as television and the internet.
At the age of 51, he had his first black-and-white ID photograph taken.
His passing was confirmed by Freddy Bernal, the governor of Tachira state in Venezuela where he resided.
Bernal expressed his sorrow on social media, saying: “Our beloved Juan Vicente Perez Mora, today we bid farewell to you with deep sadness and sorrow. You embodied the quintessential Tachira man—humble, hardworking, peace-loving, and devoted to family and tradition. Your legacy of goodness, wisdom, and joy will endure forever in our hearts and lives. Rest in peace, dear Don Juan Vicente. You will never be forgotten.”
The identity of the new oldest man has yet to be officially confirmed, but it’s currently believed to be a 111-year-old British grandfather residing in Merseyside.
John Tinniswood, residing in a care home in Merseyside, is believed to be the oldest living man in the world, at the age of 111.
John Tinniswood, a resident of a care home, is a World War II veteran who attributes the secret to his longevity to a weekly fish supper every Friday.
The father of one will celebrate his 112nd birthday on August 2, having been born in 1912, the same year as the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
Last year, the retired accountant received a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, adding to a lifetime of remarkable experiences, including two encounters with the late Queen Elizabeth.
In an interview with The Sun, Tinniswood’s family expressed their admiration for his resilience, zest for life, good humor, and remarkable survival instincts, which have carried him through to the age of 111.
Guinness World Records is currently reviewing evidence to determine the next world record holder for the title of the oldest man, with confirmation expected in due course.
Maria Morena from Spain currently holds the title of the world’s oldest living person at the age of 117.
