Japanese woman, 114, is world's oldest
2013-02-27 13:16
Tokyo - A 114-year-old Japanese woman born the same year
that radium was discovered was recognised as the world's oldest woman by
Guinness World Records on Wednesday.
Misao Ookawa, who was born to a clothing merchant in 1898
and now lives in the western city of Osaka, received a certificate
acknowledging her status and said she was pleased.
"Given everything, it's pretty good," she told
a gathering at the nursing home where she resides.
Ookawa, who according to Japanese media has never had a
major illness in her life, married in 1919 and has three children, four
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The award came as an early birthday present.
She turns 115 next week on 5 March.
Japan has more than 50 000 centenarians, according to
government data released last year, reinforcing its reputation for longevity.
The world's oldest man is also Japanese - Jiroemon
Kimura, aged 115.
