Kane Tanaka has been dreaming of becoming the oldest person in the world since the tender age of 100. And now, at 116 years old, Tanaka has officially broken the record. So, what’s her secret to longevity? It’s not something you’d expect, that’s for sure.
According to The Daily Mail, Tanaka gives credit to her “healthy appetite,” and her love for sweets, sodas, and coffee. Now that’s a diet we can get behind.
After receiving two plaques from Guinness World Records — one for being the oldest person alive and the other for being the oldest woman alive — Tanaka, surrounded by her family, feasted on strawberries and cream in the nursing home she resides in, located in Fukuoka, Japan.
Born in 1903, Tanaka was the seventh of eight children.
She married her husband in 1922, and together they had four children and later adopted a fifth. When her husband went into the military in the ’30s, Tanaka managed their family business, which served udon noodles, sticky rice, and zenzai, a traditional Japanese bean dessert. Tanaka also became a whiz at making rice cakes.
But it seems that savory foods come second to sweets for Tanaka.
“During the presentation ceremony, Kane was given a box of chocolates which she immediately opened and started eating,” Guinness reported.
“Later she was asked how many chocolates she wants to eat today, and replied, ‘100.’”
Meet 116-year-old Kane Tanaka from Japan, our new oldest person living record holder > https://t.co/rgrgP0JcRp pic.twitter.com/wroWdOXxpU
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) March 9, 2019
We need to pop a can of soda and down a box of chocolates ASAP. Tanaka has the right idea.
WORLD’S OLDEST PERSON: 116-year-old Kane Tanaka was honored Saturday as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records. She says it's been a dream of hers since she was 100 ❤️ https://t.co/NOo501hdHz pic.twitter.com/BVfxXfxhX0
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 9, 2019
Her secret isn’t so secret anymore. We’re telling all!
Before Tanaka earned her title, the record was held by Japan’s Chiyo Miyako.
Miyako recently passed in July at the age of 117.
She supposedly loved a good meal of sushi and eels.
2, 4, 6, 8 who do we appreciate? Kane Tanaka! https://t.co/TuIMdx4B80
— Christine Avila (@Christineaavila) March 12, 2019
People are loving Tanaka’s spirit and attitude toward receiving the honor. She reportedly said that earning her two certificates was the happiest moment in her life.
She's beautiful.
— Rare Logic (@lovroflaughs) March 12, 2019
Guinness shared several photos of Tanaka from her younger years.
Although she’s had several age-related surgeries, her young adult spunk hasn’t dwindled.
At 116, she still enjoys maths and board games. Congratulations to our new oldest person living record holder, Kane Tanaka from Japan https://t.co/rgrgP0JcRp
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) March 9, 2019
She still rises at 6 a.m. every morning and enjoys spending her time playing board games and studying mathematics.
Can she be our tutor?
In order to become the oldest person ever, Tanaka must live to 122 years and 164 days. That record was set by Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who was born in 1875 and died in 1997.
Kane Tanaka is our #MondayMotivation! At the age of 116, she has become the world's oldest person 😁 https://t.co/Rt8QXGkbyY
— Age UK (@age_uk) March 11, 2019
But, if you ask us, Tanaka has enough to celebrate at the age she’s at now. We’ll check back in another six years.
Hey! Be nice to our Kane!
Barely looks a day over 200!
— Brandon (@Brandon_Baes) March 9, 2019
We can all agree that she would be an interesting person to interview.
Just imagine all the experiences she’s had in her 116 years.
Meanwhile, in Illinois, Mick has lived to be the oldest rabbit at 16. Unlike Tanaka, Mick relies on “low-calcium greens and timothy hay along with special treats like carrots, radishes and berries,” to stay young.
Named after @MickJagger, 16-year-old Mick the rabbit is a rock and roll record holder 🐇 https://t.co/6HtpN3cuPR
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) March 8, 2019
It’s stories of record-breakers like Tanaka, Mick, and this 187-year-old giant tortoise named Jonathan that make us love Guinness World Records so freaking much.
Just look at Jonathan!
He's enjoyed a rather relaxing life on the island of St Helena. Now at 187 years old, Jonathan the tortoise holds the record for oldest known land animal 🐢 https://t.co/I0ktKUn4M2
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) March 4, 2019
You’re all doing so amazing. We look up to each and every one of you.
We’re sending Tanaka our best wishes and we hope that she remains the oldest living woman (and person) for years and years to come.
Just keep chugging those sodas, Kane!
Impressive indeed.
Pass those chocolates over here, will you?
