Farewell to Japan’s Living Legend: Masazo Nonaka
Happy New Year, folks! On Sunday, January 20, the world lost a true marvel: Masazo Nonaka, the man who lived as long as a calendar leans around a stack of cheese graters—113 years of life. He was born in July 1905, just days after the Wright brothers zipped the skies, and a few months before Albert Einstein dropped his brain‑blowing theory of relativity.
Birth & Legacy Snapshot
- Born July 1905
- Outlived the famous Francisco Nunez Olivera, who passed away last year. Nonaka thus became the world’s oldest living man.
- Spoke to Kyodo News with calm calm: “He passed without a fuss, just as usual.” His granddaughter Yuko shared the moment with sense of awe.
Life Highlights
- Family: He grew up with six brothers and a sister.
- Married in 1931, the love‑birds Man & Wife had an awesome brood—five children.
- Career: He owned a hot‑spring inn back in his hometown.
- Retirement: He was a homespun TV fan, always rooting for sumo wrestlers, and the man who could devour sweets like they were hiding bonuses.
Japan: A Land of Longevity
Japan is no stranger to long lifespans. We’re talking, “If the average life expectancy keeps the trends, you’ll see more 100‑plus folks.” Some names you might recall:
- Jiroemon Kimura – The record holder for the longest living man, passing after his 116th birthday in 2013.
- Jeanne Louise Calment – The French woman who proved that 122 could be a real thing, dying in 1997.
While we mourn Masazo – an ordinary man with extraordinary days – let’s remember the joy and wonder he brought into the lives of everyone who crossed his path. Cheers to living long, laughing often, and staying humble. We’ll miss you, Masazo.
