The world's oldest woman, Misao Okawa, passed away on Wednesday. 

Okawa was 117 years old, and just celebrated her birthday on March 4.

The media descended on her weeks ago as she ate birthday cake with family members at a nursing home in Osaka. Ward Mayor Takehiro Ogura also attended the celebration. 

Okawa was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living female after the death of another Japanese woman, Jiroemon Kimura, in June 2013 at the age of 116 years and 54 days. 

Japanese media reported that Okawa began to gradually lose her appetite, and passed away while surrounded by her grandchildren. She attributed her long life to getting lots of sleep and "eating delicious things." 

The oldest woman alive is now Gertrude Weaver of Arkansas. She will turn 117 on July 4, and requested that President Obama attend her birthday party. 

"She really wants to meet the president," confirmed Kathy Langley, Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center administrator. "She's voted for him twice now and it's just her lifelong dream. We sent him an invitation to come to her birthday party last year, and we will send him another one this year."

Weaver lives at Silver Oaks in Camden, and has near daily visits from her son, who is in his 90s. Her grandchildren, who are in their 70s, also visit regularly. 

"They're just a wonderful family, very loving," Langley said.

Weaver attributes her longevity to treating others well. 

Guinness Book of World Records supercentenarians programme director Robert Moore said that reaching 117 will be a rare feat. 

"Only five documented people have ever reached 117, and as of right now Gertrude Weaver is the seventh-oldest verified person of all time," he confirmed.