TOKYO — A man listed as the oldest living male in Tokyo in fact died some 30 years ago, officials said after his body was found mummified in his bed.

Police visited the home of Sogen Kato at the request of officials updating their list of centenarians ahead of Respect for the Elderly Day. Kato was born July 22, 1899. Officials tried to meet Kato earlier this year, but his family members reportedly chased them away.

His granddaughter told investigators Kato holed up in his room about 30 years ago after declaring he wanted to be a living Buddha, police and Tokyo officials said. They believe Kato died soon after that.