Guinness World Records: Japanese twins become world’s oldest sisters

In a recent development, two Japanese sisters have made their way to the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living identical twins at over 107 years and 300 days.

According to reports, Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama have broken the record that was set by late Japanese twin sisters Kin Narita and Gin Kanie.

Umeno and Koume, both described as sociable people, were born on November 5, 1913, on Shodoshima island.

Also read: Stunt pilot Dario Costa flies plane through two tunnels, sets World Records. Watch

This announcement came on Monday and it coincides with Respect for the Aged Day – a national holiday in Japan.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and as a precaution, the sisters – who live in different parts of Japan – were sent their official certificates to be presented by staff at their separate care homes.

In a statement, the Guinness on Monday said that the twins were recognised as the new title holders on September 1.

Also read: 5 Indian film personalities you didn’t know hold Guinness World Records

The previous record holders Kin and Gin had held the title of oldest identical twins at 107 years and 175 days since Kin’s death in January 2000. Gin died the following year, aged 108.

The late twins, whose names mean gold and silver in Japanese, were born on August 1, 1892, in Nagoya, and had become media celebrities in their final decade.

The family of Umeno and Koume said that both sisters had joked about reaching their age.

Umeno has four children and Koume has three.

In Japan, life expectancy is the highest in the world, and older people command considerable respect.

The oldest living person on record, according to Guinness, is 118-year-old Japanese woman Kane Tanaka.

It is reportedly said that their upbringing was similar to that of a TV drama, the twins recall. It was also a time where being a twin was enough of a reason to get bullied, and that was one of the toughest experiences in their childhood.

The twins started living apart from a young age. When the twins finished elementary school, Koume left the island to help her uncle.

Umeno married someone who lived on Shodo Island, while Koume married someone outside of the island.