Tokio Watanabe facts for kids

Tokio Watanabe was a Japanese farmer. He lived a very long life, from 1899 to 2010. He was known as a supercentenarian. This means he lived to be over 110 years old. He was born in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. He is the oldest man ever known from that area.

Who Was Tokio Watanabe?

Tokio Watanabe was born on December 12, 1899. He lived for 110 years and 8 weeks. He was a farmer for most of his life. He lived in Kumakōgen, Ehime Prefecture.

Early Life and Family

Tokio Watanabe got married when he was 22 years old. He and his wife had eight children. They had two sons and six daughters. Sadly, one of his sons died during the Pacific War. His wife passed away when she was 42.

A Long and Active Life

Watanabe worked as a farmer until he was 95 years old. Even at 100 years old, he was still very active. He could mow the grass by himself. He was also able to take care of himself.

Becoming One of the Oldest

On January 17, 2010, something special happened. Another very old man, Kiyotoshi Inoue, passed away. This made Tokio Watanabe the second oldest known living man in Japan. The oldest was Jiroemon Kimura. Watanabe was also the third oldest known living man in the world. He was one of only three known men born before 1900 who were still alive. The other two were Kimura and Walter Breuning from America.

His Final Years

Tokio Watanabe passed away on February 6, 2010. He was 110 years old. He died from pneumonia at a hospital. This was in his hometown of Kumakōgen, Ehime Prefecture. After he passed, Tanekichi Onishi became Japan's second-oldest living man. Tokio Watanabe was the last known living man who was born in the year 1899.