LongeviQuest is saddened to report the passing of Gisaburō Sonobe, the news was first reported by NHK. He was born in born in Japan on 6 November 1911 and passed away in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on 31 March 2024 at 112 years, 146 days confirmed through MHLW. He was supposed to be a candidate for the title of the world’s oldest living man, following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Perez Mora of Venezuela on 2 April 2024.
Sonobe dedicated his career to education, teaching Japanese and social studies for many years. After retirement, his love for learning continued as he worked as a librarian until he was 80. Even at 110, Sonobe remains connected to his former students through annual reunions by exchanging letters of New Year greetings.
Sonobe also enjoys learning about politics and health. He actively incorporates healthy practices he learned from TV programs and maintains a balanced diet. He particularly favors potatoes and legumes for calcium. Notably, Sonobe takes pride in his dental health, having never needed dentures.
Following the death of 109-year-old Kingo Yumoto on 2 December 2019, Sonobe became the oldest living man in Chiba Prefecture. He became the oldest known living man in Japan, following the death of Shigeru Nakamura of Hiroshima Prefecture on 15 November 2022.
LongeviQuest is extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr. Gisaburō Sonobe.
