“Oldest man in Tokyo” has been dead for 30 years

When Japanese officials arrived at Sogen Kato’s house to congratulate the elderly man on his 111th birthday, they were in for a big shock. After family members chased officials away claiming that Kato did not want to see them, police were able to break into the house where they found Kato’s remains covered in his bed. According to his family, Kato shut himself up in his room three decades ago to “become a living Buddha.” Japanese authorities speculate that Kato—thought to be the oldest man living in Tokyo—may actually have been dead for 30 years. Police are now investigating the family for possible fraud charges. Read more about this story here.