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Shigechiyo Izumi (泉重千代, June 29,1865/1880? – February 21, 1986) was considered the oldest recognized living person for several years and is still recognized as the longest-lived man in the world. He was a native of Tokunoshima in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, whose people are well-known for their longevity. Assuming his claimed birthdate is correct, he would have attained an age of 120, years older than any other recognized male, and the second-longest documented lifespan in the world, second only to that of Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment.
However, subsequent research has cast doubt on his claim, as what was previously believed to be his birth certificate may actually have been that of his older brother, who died young and whose name might have been reused as a necronym. Japanese experts, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that he was actually born in 1880. If so, this would mean he was "only" 105 when he died.
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