LONDON - The world's oldest man is a 113-year-old Spaniard following the death at the weeked of a 114-year-old Japanese national, Guinness World Records, based in London, confirmed Tuesday.

Joan Riudavets Moll, born on 15 December 1889, succeeded Yukichi Chuganji, who died in his sleep Sunday aged 114 years and 189 days.

Moll lives on the Mediterranean island of Menorca and sleeps up to 14 hours a day, according to Guinness World Records.

He was born in the same year as Adolf Hitler, while 1889 also saw the Eiffel Tower completed.

Moll's wife was born in the same year, although she died aged 90.

"We currently have on file details of just over 40 super-centenarians -- that's someone over the age of 110 -- currently living," said Stewart Newport, the keeper of the Guinness Records.

"Joan becomes one of the first Spaniards to hold this coveted record. Most of us would like to have a go at breaking this record, but few of us ever get there," joked Newport.

Moll worked in the family shoemaking business before hanging up his boots in 1954.

He has three daughters, five grandsons and six great-grandchildren.

Chuganji, meanwhile, died at his home in Ogoori City, some 900 kilometres (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo. He lived with his only daughter, Kyoko, 74, and her family.

The world's oldest person is also Japanese. Kamato Hongo, 116, lives in Kagoshima City, 950 kilometres southwest of Tokyo.