In brief
Tomiko Itooka, recognized by the Guinness World Records, has died at the age of 116. The Japanese woman was residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, where she passed away, as confirmed by local officials. She became the world’s oldest person following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024. The mayor of Ashiya, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed gratitude for her inspiration, stating, "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life."
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.
