Sakari Momoi: World’s Oldest Man Dies in Tokyo at 112

World’s oldest man Sakari Momoi has died in Tokyo at the age of 112.

The Japanese, a former high school principal and father of five, died of kidney failure in a care facility on July 5.

Sakari Momoi had been named the oldest man by Guinness World Records in August.

In April the world’s oldest person and oldest woman, Misao Okawa from Japan, died at the age of 117. Her titles are now held by 116-year-old American Susannah Mushatt Jones.

Born in 1903 in Fukushima, Sakari Momoi – whose death was announced on July 7 – first worked as a teacher and later became a principal in high schools in his home prefecture as well as neighboring Saitama.

According to Guiness, Sakari Momoi enjoyed reading, especially Chinese poetry, and also travelling around Japan with his late wife.

When Sakari Momoi received his certificate from Guinness in August, he told reporters: “I want to live for about two more years.”

Guinness has not announced who is now the world’s oldest man, although it may well be 112-year-old Japanese Yasutaro Koide who was born a month after Sakari Momoi, according to wire agencies.

Susannah Mushatt Jones celebrated her 116th birthday on July 6 with friends and family in New York.

Known as T to her 100 nieces and nephews – the nickname is short for “auntie” – she has said the secret to her longevity is sleep.