At the hospital in western Japan died this week, Kana Tanaka, who for the past three years has been considered by Guinness Book of Records the “oldest person on earth.” She died when she was 119 years and 107 days old.
Tanka, her acquaintances testify, was careful to maintain a regular agenda. She used to get up early, at six in the morning, study math and engage in art.
When asked in 2019 what was the happiest period of her life, she replied: “Now”. According to media reports, Tanaka loved to eat chocolates and drink carbonated beverages.
In recent years, Tanaka, who was born in 1903 – the year the Wright brothers’ plane first took off – spent time in a Japanese nursing home and played board games.
In distress to the media, the governor of the district where she lived referred to her death. “I was expecting to see her celebrate with us the holidays with her favorite carbonated drinks and chocolates.”