TOKYO - THE world's oldest man, Japan's Tomoji Tanabe, turned 113 on Thursday and cited a big appetite but strict diet as secrets to his longevity.

Mr Tanabe, who has nearly 100 direct descendants, walked unassisted in a kimono chosen for his birthday to accept a large bouquet of flowers in front of flashing cameras.

'I tell ya, I am happy,' he said in a clear voice to reporters who came to his home in southern Miyazaki prefecture.

'I eat a lot,' he said, but added he strictly avoided alcohol, cigarettes and snacks.

His hobbies include perusing the newspaper, keeping a diary and talking with people. He has said he wants to live at least 10 more years.

Mr Tanabe, who lives with a son and daughter-in-law, has eight children, 25 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

The world's oldest person of either gender is 115-year-old Edna Parker, who lives in a nursing home in the US Midwestern state of Indiana.

Japan has one of the world's highest life expectancy rates, which is attributed to a mix of factors including a traditional healthy diet with plenty of vegetables.

The number of centenarians is expected to stand at 36,276 at the end of the month.

But Japan is also faced with a future demographic crisis as fewer young people start families, putting pressure on the economic system. -- AFP