Second oldest living person dies at the age of 116

The dean of elderly citizens in Japan passed away on Tuesday at the remarkable age of 116, as reported by local officials in the city where she resided. Fusa Tatsumi, who bore witness to the trials of two world wars, lived a fulfilling life alongside her farmer husband near Osaka in western Japan, and was the second oldest living person in the world until her death.

Last April, on her final birthday, scenes of Tatsumi in her wheelchair were captured by the MBS TV channel, offering a glimpse into her extraordinary longevity.

A member of the Kashiwara Municipality in Osaka Prefecture confirmed the news, revealing that Tatsumi departed on Tuesday, having reached the remarkable age of 116.

Osaka Governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, reminisced on the platform “X,” recalling Tatsumi’s good spirits and mentioning her attendance at a celebratory event held in September to commemorate her remarkable milestone.

Japan, renowned for its aging population, claims the second-highest number of elderly individuals worldwide, following Monaco. The country boasts over 47,000 centenarians, highlighting the longevity prevalent within its society. Fusa Tatsumi secured the status of being the oldest living person within the archipelago after the passing of Ken Tanaka last year, who surpassed the astonishing age of 119.

Guinness World Records officially recognized Kane Tanaka, a remarkable individual, as the second oldest living person in April. Presently, this esteemed honor belongs to Maria Brañas, a Spanish woman who was originally born in the United States. Brañas, who will celebrate her 117th birthday on March 4, maintains the world title for the oldest living person.

Fusa Tatsumi must have seen the start and the end of many eras that Japan went through throughout her long life, and now it could be said her passing is the end of another era, and the start of a new one.