Masazo Nonaka (Japanese: 野中正造), sometimes spelled Masazou Nonaka, was a Japanese supercentenarian who was the world's oldest living man from the death of Francisco Nunez Olivera on 29 January 2018 until his own death nearly a year later.
Masazo Nonaka was born in Kamitoshibetsu, near the city of Ashoro, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, on 25 July 1905. He was the eldest son of Masujiro and Kiyo Nonaka. His mother was the founder of the “Nonaka” onsen (Japanese hot spring). He had two brothers and three sisters.
At some point in his life, he married Hatsuno. The couple had 5 children (two of whom outlived him).
Nonaka died in his sleep in Ashoro, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, on 20 January 2019, at the age of 113 years, 179 days.
On 3 April 2016, following the death of 110-year-old Teru Hatakeyama, he became the oldest living person in Hokkaido Prefecture. Hatakeyama was five days older than him.
On 29 October 2016, following the death of 112-year-old Masamitsu Yoshida of Tokyo, he became the oldest living man in Japan, at the age of 111.
On 11 August 2017, following the death of 113-year-old Israel Kristal of Israel, he became the world’s oldest living man. His age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group just four days prior. He was officially recognized by Guinness World Records on 10 April 2018, receiving the certificate in the nursing home.
