Tribute to Tomiko Itooka: The Legacy of the World's Oldest Person at 116

In a heartfelt farewell, Tomiko Itooka, designated the world's oldest verified person, has passed away at the age of 116 in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Her death occurred shortly after she celebrated her birthday on May 23, making her life a testament to the evolution of the 20th century and beyond. Local officials reported her passing, with Ashiya's mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, expressing gratitude for the enduring courage that Itooka inspired during her remarkable life.Born in May 1908, just six years before the onset of World War I and during a time when the Ford Model T revolutionized transport, Itooka's life spanned over a century of monumental global change. Following the death of fellow record-holder Maria Branyas Morera of Spain in August 2024, Itooka was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person just weeks before her own passing.Throughout her extensive lifetime, Ms. Itooka enjoyed numerous experiences, from exhilarating volleyball games as a student to reclaiming the peak of Japan’s Mount Ontake twice. After marrying at age 20 and managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II, she later resided independently in Nara following his death in 1979. She is remembered for her fondness for bananas and a popular Japanese dairy drink called Calpis.Itooka is survived by her son, daughter, and five grandchildren, with a private funeral service held in her memory. As of September, Japan boasted more than 95,000 centenarians, showcasing a growing trend in longevity, particularly among women. The new world record holder is now believed to be Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka.As societies reflect on Itooka's long life, discussions around aging and societal structures continue, highlighting the significance of understanding what contributes to longevity in today’s world.