Tokyo - The world's oldest man, Tomoji Tanabe, died of cardiac failure in southern Japan Friday. He was 113 years old.

Tanabe was listed as the world's oldest man by Guinness World Records in January 2007.

He fell ill in May at his home and could not eat for three days before his death, Jiji Press said.

Tanabe was known to get up at 5:30 am to read newspapers before breakfast, and for never missing his three meals a day and glass of milk in the afternoon.

He had said the key to longevity is "no drinking or smoking."

He had lived with one of his eight children and a daughter-in-law before his death.

The new oldest Japanese man lives in western Kyoto province and is 112, while the oldest woman lives in southern Okinawa province and is 114.

Briton Henry Allingham, 113, now holds the title of the world's oldest man. His birthday was on June 9, the BBC reported.

The number of centenarians in Japan reached a record 41,000 in October, according to government figures.

People in Japan have the longest life-expectancy in the world with 85 years.(dpa)