Sakari Momoi Dies: World’s Oldest Man Was 112 Years Old
Sakari Momoi, who was given the title of world’s oldest man last year, has died at the age of 112. According to BBC News, Momoi passed away Sunday from kidney failure at a hospital in Japan.
Sakari Momoi became known as the world’s oldest man in August of 2014 following the passing of Alexander Imich, who was given the title two months prior to his death, as the Inquisitr previously reported. When Momoi received his plaque from the Guinness World Records at the time, he said his wish is to live a little bit longer.
“I want to live two more years.”
Sakari Momoi was born on February 5, 1903, according to the official Guinness World Records website. When Momoi received his plaque last year, the Guinness editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday, mentioned that his birth came before many notable figures and historical moments.
“To put Mr. Momoi’s age into perspective, he was born before the Wright brothers made their first powered flight, before Henry Ford produced his first car, and before the birth of author George Orwell and jazz legends Bix Beiderbeck and Fats Waller.”
Glenday added that he was amazed that someone who was around when so much had yet to take place was still with us.
“Back in 1903, the world had only just staged the second ever modern Olympic Games and Albert Einstein was yet to publish his theory of Special Relativity. It’s difficult to imagine that a contemporary of this era is still flourishing to this day, so it’s a particularly special honour to acknowledge Mr. Momoi and his remarkable longevity.”
Rest in peace. The world’s oldest man, Sakari Momoi, died on Sunday in Tokyo. He was 112. http://t.co/LA76BygNC9 pic.twitter.com/4JklKX2ciy
— People magazine (@people) July 7, 2015
Sakari Momoi was at one time a teacher and then later became a principal for high schools in the districts of Saitama and his hometown of Fukushima. He and his wife, who has since passed, were married in 1928 and became the parents to five children – all by whom Momoi is survived. Prior to his wife’s passing, one hobby that she and Momoi would do together was travel all throughout Japan.
The next in line to claim the title has not yet been identified, but BBC News is reporting that Yasutaro Koide may be the next person. The 112-year-old Koide was born one month after Momoi.
The world’s oldest person is currently Susannah Mushatt Jones of New York, who is also the world’s oldest woman. On Monday, she celebrated her 116th birthday, according to the Guinness World Records website.
[Image via Twitter]
