World’s Oldest Man in Japan Who Loves Eating Candy Turns 113

Masazo Nonaka, who is known as the world’s oldest living man, just turned 113 years old on Wednesday.

The Japanese grandpa celebrated his birthday with his family in his hometown of Ashoro on Hokkaido island.

Nonaka was certified by the Guinness World Records as the oldest living man in April after Francisco Nuñez Olivera of Spain passed away at age 113 earlier this year.

Nonaka, who enjoys watching sumo wrestling on television and reading newspapers, attributed his longevity to eating sweets and soaking in the mineral-rich springs.

Born on July 25, 1905, Nonaka grew up with six brothers and one sister. In 1931, he tied the knot with a woman named Hatsuno, with whom he had five children.

In his adult years, he managed his family’s 105-year-old hot springs inn, which is now being run by his granddaughter, according to the Associated Press.

In an interview with ABC News, Nonaka’s granddaughter shared that his “free lifestyle” may also have something to do with his long life.

“Freedom is important to Masazo. He’s lived the way he wanted to live and has always done what he wanted to do,” she was quoted as saying.

“We’re a close family and family is quite important to him,” she noted, adding that her grandfather received many sweets and gifts this year for his 113th birthday.

With the highest average life expectancy in the world, Japan is also the fastest-aging country with about 67,800 centenarians currently living in the country, according to data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Nabi Tajima, a 117-year-old Japanese woman known for being the world’s oldest person, died in April.

Featured Image via YouTube / IBTimes UK

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