Tomiko Itooka, a beloved figure in her community, died in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person following the passing of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera, who died at 117 years old in August 2024, Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday just weeks before her death on May 23, 2024.
World's Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116
World's Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116
The remarkable life of Tomiko Itooka, the world's oldest recorded person, has come to an end in Japan at the age of 116.
Mayor Ryosuke Takashima of Ashiya expressed gratitude for Itooka's long life, stating, "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life." Born in May 1908, she witnessed monumental global changes, including two world wars, pandemics, and the advancement of technology. Her early life was marked by athletic pursuits, as she enjoyed volleyball and successfully climbed Mount Ontake twice.
In her later years, Itooka had a fondness for bananas and Calpis, a well-loved milky drink in Japan. She married at 20 and had four children—two sons and two daughters. During World War II, she played a significant role in managing her husband’s textile factory. After his passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara and had recently been residing in a nursing home.
Survived by one daughter, one son, and five grandchildren, Itooka’s funeral service was attended by family and friends. Japan currently has over 95,000 centenarians, with a significant portion being women. Following Itooka’s passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born 16 days later, is now recognized as the world's oldest living person.
In her later years, Itooka had a fondness for bananas and Calpis, a well-loved milky drink in Japan. She married at 20 and had four children—two sons and two daughters. During World War II, she played a significant role in managing her husband’s textile factory. After his passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara and had recently been residing in a nursing home.
Survived by one daughter, one son, and five grandchildren, Itooka’s funeral service was attended by family and friends. Japan currently has over 95,000 centenarians, with a significant portion being women. Following Itooka’s passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born 16 days later, is now recognized as the world's oldest living person.
