Shigechiyo Izumi, known for holding the title of the world's oldest person alive, was a supercentenarian whose age sparked much debate and controversy. Born on the island of Tokunoshima in what was then the Ryukyu Kingdom on June 29, 1865, Shigechiyo's age became a topic of discussion after discrepancies arose regarding the validity of his birth year.
Throughout his life, Shigechiyo was known for enjoying an alcoholic beverage known as shochu and even took up smoking in his seventies. These habits, along with his advanced age, contributed to his fame as one of the longest-living individuals in the world.
However, as Shigechiyo's age became the subject of scrutiny, his claim to being the oldest person alive came into question. It was believed by some that the birth certificate he used as proof of his age actually belonged to his older, long-deceased brother.
Despite these controversies, Shigechiyo was once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living person. He shared this distinction with other famed supercentenarians, including Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment.
After his death, the true age of Shigechiyo Izumi remains a point of contention. Some sources claim he lived to be 120 years old, while others suggest he was only 105 at the time of his passing. The mystery surrounding his age adds to the legend of this enigmatic figure, whose life continues to fascinate those interested in longevity and the secrets of a long, healthy life.
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