World’s Oldest Living Person, Kane Tanaka Turns 119

Kane Tanaka, the world’s oldest living person has turned 119.

Born in 1903, Tanaka, who hails from Japan married a rice shop owner at the age of 19. She worked in the family store until she was 103.

Tanaka has lived through a multitude of historical events, surviving two world wars and the 1918 Spanish flu. Her life has spanned 49 Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

She reached the 119 year milestone  on Sunday, January 2, according to a Twitter post published by her great-granddaughter, Junko Tanaka.

“Great achievement. (Kane Tanaka) reached 119 years of age,” Junko tweeted, with a photograph of her great-grandmother, whom she saw in December.

“I hope you’ll continue to live life cheerfully and to the fullest.” she added.

Junko also shared a photo on Twitter of two commemorative Coca-Cola bottles that Tanaka was given for her birthday, the labels personalized with her name and age.

“Birthday gift 1: Introducing the presents received for Kane’s birthday. Really appreciate this gift. Coca-Cola company made a commemorative birthday bottle. It seems (Kane) is still drinking Coca-Cola as usual,” Junko tweeted.

“I might be biased because I’m related to her but I think it’s kind of amazing — I wanted to share that with the world and for people to feel inspired and to feel her joy,” Junko said.