Reaching the age of 100 is an extraordinary achievement, especially in developed countries where life expectancy is lower. It reflects both good health practices and defies statistical odds. What’s even more remarkable than one person reaching 100 is when two individuals achieve this milestone simultaneously. That incredible feat was accomplished by a pair of Japanese twins.
Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama, Japanese identical twins, have been officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living identical twins and the oldest identical twins in history. Both twins were born on November 5, 1913, making them currently 107 years old, soon to turn 108.
Guinness records show that the twins were born on Shodo Island in Japan’s Kagawa prefecture into a family of 13. Being twins, they faced bullying from other children, leading them to be separated for much of their lives, only reuniting during family gatherings. In their seventies, the pair embarked on several Buddhist pilgrimages together, strengthening their bond.
Prior to Sumiyama and Kodama, the record for the oldest twins was held by two Japanese sisters, Kin Narita and Gin Kanie. The twins often joked about surpassing this record in their nineties but were surprised when it became a reality.
Upon receiving her record certificate, Sumiyama was overwhelmed with joy and tears. Unfortunately, Kodama’s advanced age had caused memory problems, preventing her from fully understanding the significance of the achievement.
Thanks to these twins, Japan now boasts multiple records for longevity. The title of the oldest living man is held by Japanese citizen Kane Tanaka, who is 118 years old. Tanaka has survived two cancer diagnoses, lived through two global pandemics, and reportedly enjoys carbonated drinks.
