Jiroemon Kimura, Japanese super-centenarian (d. 2013)

Jiroemon Kimura (木村 次郎右衛門, Kimura Jirōemon), a name that would become synonymous with extraordinary longevity, was a remarkable Japanese supercentenarian whose life spanned an incredible 116 years and 54 days. Born on April 19, 1897, towards the end of Japan's transformative Meiji era, his journey through the tumultuous 20th century and into the early 21st concluded peacefully on June 12, 2013. His existence was not merely long but also one of profound historical significance, marking him as a pivotal figure in the annals of human age records.

A Life Spanning Eras

Kimura's birth in the final years of the 19th century placed him uniquely as the last verified living man born in that era. This distinction connected him to a world vastly different from the one he left, having witnessed monumental global changes, technological revolutions, and shifting societal landscapes. Furthermore, his birth year made him possibly the last surviving veteran of World War I. While details of his specific military service are not universally prominent in general biographical summaries, his age places him squarely within the generation that experienced the world's first global conflict, highlighting the immense sweep of history he lived through.

Ascending to Global Recognition

His path to becoming the world’s oldest person was a gradual ascent, marked by the passing of other venerable individuals across Japan and the globe. He first garnered significant attention when he became the oldest living man in Japan on June 19, 2009, following the death of Tomoji Tanabe. His status grew further two years later, on April 15, 2011, when he inherited the title of the world's oldest living man after the passing of Walter Breuning. The distinction of being Japan's oldest living person came to him on December 2, 2011, upon the death of Chiyono Hasegawa. Finally, he ascended to the pinnacle of global longevity, becoming the world's oldest living person on December 17, 2012, after the passing of Dina Manfredini. He held this ultimate title for nearly six months, captivating the world's attention, until his own peaceful death.

The Verified Oldest Man

A truly historic milestone was reached on December 28, 2012, when Jiroemon Kimura officially became the verified oldest man in history. On this date, he surpassed the age attained by Christian Mortensen, a Danish-American supercentenarian who had lived for 115 years and 252 days before his death in 1998. This achievement cemented Kimura's place in the record books, a testament to a life lived extraordinarily long. His remarkable lifespan, spent predominantly in Kyōtango, Kyoto Prefecture, not only highlighted his individual resilience but also subtly reflected Japan's renowned status as a nation with a high life expectancy, often attributed to lifestyle, diet, and healthcare. Kimura's story continues to fascinate researchers and the public, offering valuable insights into the complex factors contributing to extreme old age.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jiroemon Kimura

When was Jiroemon Kimura born and when did he pass away?

Jiroemon Kimura was born on April 19, 1897, and passed away on June 12, 2013, having lived for an astounding 116 years and 54 days.

What made Jiroemon Kimura famous?

He is primarily famous for being the verified oldest man in history. He also held the unique distinction of being the last verified living man born in the 19th century, connecting him to a bygone era.

Who did Jiroemon Kimura surpass to become the oldest man in history?

He surpassed the age of Christian Mortensen, a Danish-American supercentenarian, on December 28, 2012, to claim the title of the oldest verified man in history.

Was Jiroemon Kimura a veteran of World War I?

While his birth year of 1897 makes it plausible he served, he is noted as being "possibly" the last veteran of World War I. Definitive details about his specific military service, especially active combat roles, are not universally highlighted in general biographical summaries, but his age places him squarely within the generation that experienced this global conflict.

Where was Jiroemon Kimura from?

Jiroemon Kimura was from Japan, living most of his exceptionally long life in Kyōtango, Kyoto Prefecture.