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Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the death of Masazo Nonaka, who held the record title of Oldest person living (male).

Masazo passed away aged 113  years 179 days at his home in Ashoro on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido on Sunday 20 January.

Born on 25 July 1905, he officially became the oldest living man after the death of the previous record holder, Francisco Nuñez Olivera from Spain, who passed away on 29 January 2018 at the age of 113 years 47 days.

Masazo was confirmed as the record holder on 10 April 2018 aged 112 years 259 days in a ceremony at his home where he was presented with his official Guinness World Records certificate. Three months later he celebrated his 113th birthday.

Oldest man Masazo Nonaka

When asked, he put his longevity down to soaking in hot springs and eating sweets.

He took over the family inn in 1925, which is now run by his granddaughter, Yuko.

He had six brothers and one sister, going on to marry in 1931 and having five children of his own.

Yuko said her grandfather died peacefully of natural causes, saying: "He didn't have any health problem, he went peacefully and that’s at least our consolation."

Masazo Nonaka

The Oldest person ever is Jeanne Calment (France), who lived to 122 years and 164 days, while the Oldest man ever is Jiroemon Kimura (Japan), who was born on 19 April 1897 and passed away aged 116 years 54 days on 12 June 2013.

Guinness World Records is currently investigating the title for the Oldest person living (male). Further information will be announced upon confirmation of the next record holder.