Misao Okawa: World’s oldest person dies at 117

Japanese Misao Okawa, known as the world’s oldest living person, has died from heart failure at the age of 117.

Misao Okawa died in a nursing home in Osaka, the city she was born in on March 5, 1898.

She is survived by three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Misao Okawa was recognized in 2013 as the world’s oldest living person, as well as the world’s oldest living woman, by Guinness World Records.

While celebrating her birthday earlier this month, Misao Okawa said that 117 years did not seem such a long time.

She also said the key to a long life was getting at least eight hours of sleep a night and eating sushi – her favorite food.

Misao Okawa said she particularly enjoyed mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.

Her birthday celebration was shown on national television in Japan.

Born to a kimono-maker, Misao Okawa married her husband Yukio in 1919. They lived in Kobe where he ran a business. When Yukio died in 1931, Misao Okawa moved back to Osaka.

Misao Okawa lived across three centuries, seeing four emperors of Japan, six British monarchs, and 20 US presidents.

Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said previously of Misao Okawa: “Her impressive longevity… is an inspiration and a testament to the Japanese lifestyle.”

Misao Okawa’s name has since been taken down for the entry for the world’s oldest living person on the organization’s site.

It is not yet known who now holds that record, but the site does state that the oldest living man is Sakari Momoi, also of Japan, who turned 112 in February.

The oldest person who has ever lived according to Guinness was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived 122 years and 164 days. She died in August 1997.

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