In an era marked by significant global change, Tomiko Itooka, who held the title of the world's oldest person, passed away in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, at the remarkable age of 116. Her death follows the passing of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024, which had previously affirmed Itooka's status as the oldest living individual. Mayor Ryosuke Takashima of Ashiya expressed profound gratitude, stating, "Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life."
Tomiko Itooka, the World's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116
Tomiko Itooka, the World's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116
The revered Japanese centenarian, who celebrated her 116th birthday in May 2024, has died, leaving a legacy of resilience and hope.
Born in May 1908, Itooka was a witness to a century of historical milestones—from the First World War to the advent of technological innovations like the Ford Model T. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person in September 2024, she received her certification on Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese holiday honoring its senior citizens.
She enjoyed a vibrant life, evidenced by her youthful passions for volleyball and mountaineering, having scaled Mount Ontake twice. Later in life, she found joy in simple pleasures, such as bananas and Calpis, a beloved Japanese soft drink. Following her marriage at 20, and the birth of her four children, Itooka managed her husband’s textile factory during World War II. Following his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara until her final days.
Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, Itooka's family honored her with a heartfelt funeral attended by loved ones. Notably, Japan boasts over 95,000 centenarians, with the majority being women, illustrating a unique aspect of the nation's demographic landscape. Following her passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now recognized as the new titleholder for the world’s oldest person.
She enjoyed a vibrant life, evidenced by her youthful passions for volleyball and mountaineering, having scaled Mount Ontake twice. Later in life, she found joy in simple pleasures, such as bananas and Calpis, a beloved Japanese soft drink. Following her marriage at 20, and the birth of her four children, Itooka managed her husband’s textile factory during World War II. Following his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara until her final days.
Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, Itooka's family honored her with a heartfelt funeral attended by loved ones. Notably, Japan boasts over 95,000 centenarians, with the majority being women, illustrating a unique aspect of the nation's demographic landscape. Following her passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now recognized as the new titleholder for the world’s oldest person.
