Guinness World Records honored Chitetsu Watanbe with a certificate earlier this month for his long life.
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He was born in 1907 in Niigata in northern Japan.
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Watanbe had a sweet tooth. He loved custards and cream puffs.
He said the secret to longevity was to keep smiling. Until about 10 years ago, Watanabe sculpted small bonsai trees and had his work on display.
He is survived by his five children, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
The oldest living person is also Japanese. She is 117 years old.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.