Kane Tanaka of Japan sadly passed away at the age of 119 making her the second oldest person in the world. She was marked by the Guinness World Records book as being the world’s oldest person following Jeanne Calment who lived to be 122.

“As a little kid I used to read the Guinness World record books. Every book had different stuff in it but I remember seeing something about the oldest person in the world. I couldn’t remember her name but I did remember that she was from Japan,” Sophomore Bayliegh Aller said.

Tanaka’s family had earlier stated that she had frequently been sick and “in and out” of the hospital. Tanaka was born on January 2, 1903 in Wajiro Japan.

At the age of 19, Tanaka married a rice shop owner and worked until the age of 103. Tanaka had many various shops that she owned including a noodle shop during her time.

She had four children along with one adopted child. She survived cancer twice and survived many historical events like two world wars, spanish flu, and the COVID19 pandemic.

Tanaka had been selected to carry the torch at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but sadly the COVID19 pandemic prevented her from doing so.

“It’s crazy to think that a pandemic stopped such an event from happening. They still had the events and I understand why she wouldn’t want to risk her health to go hold the torch. It’s sad to think such a moment was taken away from her but in reality it was probably for the best concerning her health and age,” Senior Brianna Mcleod said.

Her daily routine included waking up at 6:00 am every morning and she spent her afternoons practicing mathematics and calligraphy. Along with her love for learning, Tanaka had a sweet tooth.

“I don’t even like doing math as a teenager in school so it’s surprising that someone as old as Tanaka would want to do math. I mean it was probably helpful in keeping up her memory,” Sophomore Bayliegh Aller said.

Japan’s local governor Seitaro Hattori hailed Tanaka’s life after she passed away. He even stated that he had looked forward to celebrating Respect for the Aged day, a Japanese holiday that takes place in September, with her.

He stated that he had looked forward to talking with Tanaka and sharing various chocolates and soda. Her passing saddened many as they mourned her loss.

With the passing of Tanaka the new oldest marked person in the world is French nun, Sister Andre.