Misao Okawa, the daughter of a kimono maker, was entered into the Guinness World Records. She says she's "very happy" to receive the recognition and a certificate.
When asked for her secret for longevity, she said it's to "watch out for one's health."
Okawa will mark her 115th birthday next week. She was born March 5, 1898.
According to the Japanese government, the country has the most centurions in the world, with more than 51,000. More than 87 percent of them are women.
Okawa was married in 1919 and had three children. Now, she has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Her 90-year-old son says though he inherited some of his mother's genes, he doubts he would manage to match his mother's longevity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
