A Japanese woman believed to be the oldest person in the world died today, officials in her home town said. She was 116.

A JAPANESE woman believed to be the oldest person in the world celebrated her 116th birthday yesterday.

As Japan celebrated a holiday today venerating its elderly, an annual survey showed the country had more than ever to celebrate: a record 24.31 million Japanese – almost one in five – have reached their 65th birthday.

A Japanese island now boasts it is the home of both the world’s oldest man and woman.