Nabi Tajima: The Last Living Person Born in the 19th Century
Nabi Tajima was a remarkable Japanese supercentenarian—a person who has reached the age of 110 or more—who captured the world's attention through her extraordinary longevity. As the last surviving human being born in the 19th century, her life spanned an era of unprecedented global change, from the turn of the century to the digital age of the 21st century.
Born on 4 August 1900, Tajima lived to the age of 117 years and 260 days, leaving behind a legacy that connects the modern world to a bygone era.
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Key Facts
- Lifespan: 4 August 1900 – 21 April 2018
- Total Age: 117 years, 260 days
- Historical Significance: The last living person born in the 19th century
- Global Record: World's oldest living person (16 September 2017 – 21 April 2018)
- Rank: Fifth oldest validated person in history
- Origin: Kikaijima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
A Life Spanning Centuries
Tajima was born in Araki, located in what was then Wan Village on the westernmost part of Kikaijima Island. Throughout her long life, she maintained deep roots in her home region. From February 2002 until her passing, she resided at the "Kikaien" nursing home in Kikai, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Her personal life was marked by a large and growing family. She was married to Tominishi Tajima, who passed away in the early 1990s. Together, they had nine children: seven sons and two daughters. By September 2017, Tajima's lineage had expanded significantly, with approximately 160 descendants, including her great-great-great-grandchildren.
The Journey to Becoming the World's Oldest Person
Tajima's ascent to the title of the world's oldest person occurred in stages. On 27 September 2015, she became the oldest living person in Japan following the death of a 115-year-old woman in Tokyo.
Her global recognition came on 16 September 2017. Following the death of Violet Brown in Jamaica, Tajima became the oldest verified living person on Earth. This milestone was particularly significant as it made her the final link to the 1800s, as the last person known to have been born in the 19th century.
Secrets to Longevity
When asked about the secret to her incredible lifespan, Tajima offered a simple yet profound philosophy. She attributed her longevity to two primary factors: sleeping soundly and eating delicious food.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 4 August 1900 |
| Death Date | 21 April 2018 |
| Place of Birth | Wan Village, Kagoshima, Japan |
| Place of Death | Kikai, Kagoshima, Japan |
| World's Oldest Period | 16 September 2017 – 21 April 2018 |
| Descendants | Approximately 160 |
Final Years and Legacy
Nabi Tajima passed away on 21 April 2018 in Kikai, Kagoshima Prefecture. Her death was widely reported by international media outlets such as ABC News and CBS News. In footage released during her lifetime, she was seen celebrating her longevity by moving her hands to the rhythm of traditional Japanese music.
Upon her passing, the title of the world's oldest living person passed to Chiyo Miyako of Yokohama, Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Nabi Tajima historically unique?
She was the last surviving person known to have been born in the 19th century (the 1800s).
How old was Nabi Tajima when she died?
She was 117 years and 260 days old at the time of her death.
Where did Nabi Tajima live during her later years?
She lived in the "Kikaien" nursing home in Kikai, Kagoshima Prefecture, from February 2002 until her death.
What did Tajima credit for her long life?
She stated that her longevity was due to eating delicious food and getting good sleep.
How many descendants did she have?
As of September 2017, she was reported to have around 160 descendants, including great-great-great-grandchildren.