Yasutaro Koide, who lives in the central Japanese city of Nagoya, received the formal designation on Friday as family and city dignitaries applauded.
Koide was born on March 13, 1903, and worked as a tailor when he was younger. He became the world's oldest man with the death of Sakari Momoi of Tokyo in July at age 112.
He said his secret to a long life is not to overdo, or drink or smoke. His favorite food is bread.
Koide still can read the newspaper without glasses.