World's Oldest Person, Chiyo Miyako, Dies at 117 in Japan

The world's oldest person, a 117-year-old Japanese woman, has died. 

Chiyo Miyako died on Sunday. Her death was confirmed Friday by the government of Kanagawa, her home state south of Tokyo.

Miyako, born on May 2, 1901, became the world's oldest person in April after Nabi Tajima from the Kikai island in southern Japan died at age 117.

Miyako's family said they called her "the goddess" and remembered her as a chatty person who was patient and kind to others, according to Guinness World Records, which certified her title. 

She enjoyed calligraphy, which she had practiced until recently, and loved eating sushi and eel, Guinness said.

Guinness said Miyako’s successor for the world record is yet to be determined. The previous person who held the title, Nabi Tajima, also a Japanase woman, was 117 when she died in April.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said that 115-year-old Kane Tanaka of Fukuoka, southern Japan, is the new oldest person, the Associated Press reported.

The world's oldest man, Masazo Nonaka of Hokkaido in northern Japan, celebrated his 113rd birthday Wednesday.

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