World’s smallest baby boy at birth to leave hospital in Japan

Mother of Ryusuke Sekino said: ‘It seemed he would break if I touched him. I was so worried’

When Ryusuke Sekino was born last October, his mother feared that even touching him could prove dangerous for his tiny frame.

Six months later, Ryusuke, believed to be the world’s smallest surviving baby boy, is preparing to leave hospital in central Japan on Saturday after his weight increased from 258g (9.1oz) at birth – roughly the weight of a pack of butter – to more than 3kg.

Related: Japan shrinking as birthrate falls to lowest level in history

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