Born in May 1908, Tomiko witnessed significant historical events, including two World Wars and numerous technological advancements. She was recognized as the world’s oldest person in September 2024, receiving her Guinness World Records certificate on the Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly. Tomiko led an active life in her youth, enjoying volleyball and scaling the heights of Mount Ontake.
At 20, she entered marriage and raised two daughters and two sons in a life marked by challenges, including managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II after he passed away in 1979. Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, her family held a private funeral service. As of September, Japan reported over 95,000 centenarians, with women representing 88% of this number. Following her passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now recognized as the oldest living person.
At 20, she entered marriage and raised two daughters and two sons in a life marked by challenges, including managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II after he passed away in 1979. Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, her family held a private funeral service. As of September, Japan reported over 95,000 centenarians, with women representing 88% of this number. Following her passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now recognized as the oldest living person.
