114-Year-Old Japanese Named World's Oldest Woman

A 114-year-old Japanese woman 'Misao Okawa' has been officially named as the world's oldest female by the Guinness World Records on Wednesday.

Daughter of a kimono merchant, Okawa, who currently resides in the western city of Osaka, was born March 5 1898, and will celebrate her 115th birthday shortly. She got married in the year 1919 and has three children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Reports according to AFP state: "I'm happy. I'm feeling good anyway," she told reporters, as she sat in a wheelchair surrounded by relatives.

What's interesting is that the world's former oldest living person was also Japanese. Koto Okubo, who passed away mid-January, was recognized as the world's oldest living person. Okubo passed away a month after receiving the title.

The recognition from the Guinness World Records came as surprise birthday gift to Okawa. She currently resides in a nursing home and according to officials, Okawa has a healthy diet and eats whatever she likes.

According to AFP, Okawa received the certificate after a 115-year-old Japanese woman passed away in January near Tokyo. She was given the title of the world's oldest female.

Data according to Gerontology Research Group suggests that at least 12 people are born in the 19th century and they are still living. Out of which, 11 of them are women, reports The Guardian.

Hiroshi, Okawa's 90-year-old son, was quoted in Telegraph saying that though he inherited some of his mother's genes, he doubts he would live as long as his mother did. "On my father's side, there are some who lived long and some who don't - like my father who died at 36 - so I doubt I'll live as long."

Most of the 51,000 centenarians reside in Japan, and the country has the highest population of centenarians in the world, according to the government, reports Reuters.

Click to View the Video of Okawa Recognised as World's Oldest Woman.