World’s oldest person dies in Japan aged 117

The world’s oldest person has died in Japan aged 117.

Nabi Tajima was born on August 4, 1900, and was the last surviving child of the 19thcentury, making her the third oldest person recorded in history.

It is understood she had more than 160 descendants, including great-great-great grandchildren.

She died in a hospital in southern Japan in the town of Kikai yesterday.

Tajima was hospitalised since January.

She became the world’s oldest person seven months ago after the death of Violet Brown in Jamaica, who was also aged 117.

Violet Brown, of Jamaica, died aged 117 on September 15 last year. (AAP)

According to the Gerontology Research Group in the United States, another Japanese woman, Chiyo Miyako, is now the world's oldest person.