Newsmaker

World's newest oldest man turns 114 in Japan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-19 15:16

In this photo released by Kyotango City Office, Jirouemon Kimura poses during his 114th birthday at his home in Kyotango, western Japan Tuesday, April 19, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - The world's oldest man is celebrating his 114th birthday with a traditional Japanese meal.

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Jirouemon Kimura began his new year with a breakfast of grilled fish with steamed rice and red beans, a typical meal on special occassions in Japan.

City official Toru Okubo says Kimura was celebrating Tuesday at his home in Kyoto, which he shares with the 82-year-old widow of his eldest son and the 58-year-old widow of a grandson.

Okubo says Kimura had seven children, five surviving. He also had 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

The Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group lists Kimura, born in 1897, as the world's oldest man. The previous title holder was Walter Breuning of Montana, who died earlier this month.