Japan: One of the World’s Leading Countries When It Comes to Longevity

Japan is famous world-wide for its longevity. In this video, the woman introduced is 116-year-old Tanaka Kane, the current record-holder for the world’s oldest living person. She hails from Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City.

In March 2019, Tanaka Kane was recognized as the world’s oldest living person by the Guinness World Records. On Respect for the Aged Day (September 21st), the governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Ogawa Hiroshi (小川洋, Ogawa Hiroshi), presented her with well-wishes and an award.
This scene was captured in the video “「力をみんなに」と田中カ子さん 世界最高齢の116歳祝われ”, which we'll be introducing in this article.

What's the Secret Behind Tanaka Kane’s Lasting Vigor?

Source :YouTube screenshot

Currently, Tanaka Kane is living in a senior citizens’ home.
She was born in 1903 (year 36 of the Meiji era), as the seventh of nine siblings.
As seen from 0:45 in the video, even now, she is filled with vigor and energetically answers questions from the media.

When asked what she would like to do or challenge from now on, Tanaka Kane’s reply was, “I want to provide strength to everyone”.
She would like to share the vigor and energy which has accompanied her this far, and live each day with gratefulness in her heart.

Tanaka Kane's Bout With Cancer

Source :YouTube screenshot

Although she is the world’s oldest living person now, when she was younger (in her forties), she suffered from pancreatic cancer, and again from colorectal cancer when she was 103 years old.
Cancer is the number-one medical cause of death in Japan.

Though she had to go through painful treatments, she managed to overcome her illness and become the oldest living person in the world today. This woman who wants to provide the people around her with energy and joy is more than a match for the younger generation.
For all illnesses, not only cancer, the most important thing is early detection and early treatment.

Summary of Tanaka Kane's Award Ceremony

Japan, famed for its longevity, has had many residents recognized as the oldest living person in the world by the Guinness World Records.

The resident who achieved this record in 2019 is Tanaka Kane.