Oldest Japanese man turns 111

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2006

TOKYO (AFP) — Japan's oldest man has turned 111 years old -- on the public holiday to honor senior citizens, reports said. Tomoji Tanabe of Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island celebrated his birthday on the "Respect for the Aged Day" by blowing out the candles on his birthday cake with his three-year-old great-grandchild Hikaru, Kyodo News said Monday.

"Thanks to all of you," Tanabe was quoted as saying. "I am living. It seems that I will live longer." Asked about the secret of his longevity, Tanabe said he keeps away from alcohol and cigarettes, Kyodo said. A retired civil engineer, Tanabe spends one hour every morning reading a newspaper and drinks milk every afternoon. For the past 40 years, he has kept journal and writes in it every night before he sleeps, the report...