Tanaka Kako, world's oldest living person in 2019, dies at 119

Tanaka Kako, a Japanese woman who lived to be 119 years old, has passed away at a nursing home in Kyushu. Born in 1903, she lived through five distinct Japanese historical eras: Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa.

In 2019, she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person. Throughout her life, she managed a family mochi shop while her husband and son served in the military. She was known for her lifelong passion for learning, mathematics, and poetry.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including pancreatic cancer at age 45 and colorectal cancer at age 103, she maintained a positive outlook. Her philosophy centered on finding happiness in the present moment, a sentiment she expressed during her Guinness recognition. She frequently visited nursing homes in Fukuoka, engaging with staff through gestures and movement.