Oldest man in history Jiroemon Kimura dies at 116

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A Japanese man recognised as the world's oldest living person, and the oldest man recorded in history, has died aged 116, local officials say.

Jiroemon Kimura died of natural causes on Wednesday in a hospital in Kyotango, Kyoto, a government statement said.

In December, Guinness World Records recorded Mr Kimura as the oldest man ever verified to have lived.

He reportedly had seven children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Mr Kimura was born on 19 April 1897, the same year as aviator Amelia Earhart.

He worked in his local post office until retiring and was said to have helped his son with his farming until he was around 90 years old.

He became the world's oldest living person in December, when the previous title-holder died.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent Mr Kimura a video greeting when he celebrated his 116th birthday on 19 April.

The mayor of Kyotango, which is in western Japan, also dropped by for a visit.