Tomiko Itooka, acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person, has died at the age of 116 in a nursing home located in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Her passing comes just months after she celebrated her 116th birthday on May 23, 2024. The local mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, described her as a figure of inspiration, stating, "Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it."
Born in May 1908, Ms. Itooka witnessed the onset of World War One, the introduction of the Ford Model T in America, and numerous other historical milestones. Following the death of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024, Ms. Itooka subsequently became the world's oldest verified person in September 2024. On that milestone, she received an official certificate on Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day.
Throughout her lifetime, Ms. Itooka lived through two world wars and many significant pandemics while also experiencing major technological advances. She was noted for her physical accomplishments, having played volleyball during her youth and summited Mount Ontake on two occasions.
In her later years, she enjoyed simple pleasures like bananas and Calpis, a beloved Japanese drink. Married at the age of 20, she raised two daughters and two sons, managing her husband’s textile factory during the tumultuous times of World War Two. After being widowed in 1979, she continued to live independently in Nara.
Her legacy is carried on by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A private funeral service was held, surrounded by family and friends. As of September, Japan has reported over 95,000 centenarians, predominantly women. Following Ms. Itooka's death, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after her, is now regarded as the world’s oldest person.
