Born on March 5, 1907 in Niigata, Chitetsu Watanabe previously received his certificate from Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest man.

A couple of days before his death, he had not been able to eat and developed a fever and difficulty breathing.

Watanabe worked in Taiwan for 18 years and after returning to Niigata, he worked for the prefectural government until retirement.

Photo credit: Google

Watanabe said the secret to longevity was to “not get angry and keep a smile on your face”.

Japan has been home to several people recognized as among the oldest humans to have ever lived.