Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of Jiroemon Kimura aged 116 years and 54 days. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr Kimura’s family and friends. Jiroemon Kimura, of Kyotango, Japan, was recognised by Guinness World Records as the Oldest living person, Oldest living man and Oldest man ever.

Born on 19 April 1897, Jiroemon Kimura is the first man in history to have lived to 116 years old and continues to hold the world record for the Oldest man ever. Mr Kimura became the Oldest man ever on 28 December 2012, at the age of 115 years 253 days, breaking the record set by Christian Mortensen of Denmark/USA (1882–1998).

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Jiroemon Kimura also held the record for the world’s Oldest living man, a title he gained on 14 th April 2011 at the age of 113 years 360 days, following the death of Walter Breuning of the United States (1896-2011). Kimura, who celebrated his 116 th birthday on 19 th April 2013, was also the world’s Oldest living person. He took the title from Dina Manfredini (USA, 1897–2012) on 17 December 2012.

The title of Oldest living person is now held by Misao Okawa (b. 5 March 1898) of Osaka, Japan, who is aged 115 years and 99 days, and is also the world’s Oldest living woman.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief, Guinness World Records, said: “ Jiroemon Kimura was an exceptional person. It was a personal honour to have visited Mr Kimura at his home and to be able to present him with his appearance in our book. As the only man to have ever lived for 116 years – and the oldest man whose age has been fully authenticated – he has a truly special place in world history.

Read more about Jiroemon Kimura from when he became the world's oldest man ever