Woman Dies at 117 as World’s Oldest Person
In rapidly graying Japan, living till you’re 100 is no longer a milestone for many: Miyako Chiyo, the oldest person in the country and world, died Sunday aged 117, according to the country’s Health Ministry.
Chiyo was born on May 22, 1901 and became the oldest living woman in Japan after Misao Okawa, then the country’s oldest person, died in April 2015.
Okawa was born on March 5, 1898. She was one month younger at her death than Chiyo was when she died.
Chiyo passed away just after Guinness World Records recognized her as the oldest person alive and the oldest woman alive.
In a statement released by the organization, the 117-year-old’s family described her as a patient, kind and chatty “goddess” who brought joy to those around her. Chiyo loved eating Japanese foods such as sushi and eel and enjoyed practicing calligraphy.
Her successor as oldest woman has yet to be officially confirmed by Guinness. The title of oldest man in Japan is currently held by Masazo Nonaka, who turned 113 on July 25.
