Guinness World Records regrets to inform that Tomoji Tanabe died at his home in southern Japan on Friday the 19th of June 2009 at the age of 113. Tomoji held the record for oldest living male since 24 January 2007.  Tomoji was an inspirational record holder and will be missed by all of us at Guinness World Records.  

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. 

Henry Allingham (UK) inherits the title of oldest living man.  Henry was born in Clapham, London, on 6 June 1896 and took the British title on 19 January 2007 aged 110 years 227 days. Mr Allingham is also the oldest surviving member of the armed forces, having served in both World Wars.

Craig Glenday, Editor in-chief of Guinness World Records said "We're pleased to see an English man take the world record- the last time someone from England held the title was Frederick Butterfield, who died on 9 March 1974 aged 110"

19 June 2009