Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116
Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman celebrated as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116. She died peacefully at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, officials confirmed.
Ms. Itooka was recognized as the oldest person in the world in September 2024 after Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who held the title previously, passed away at the age of 117.
“Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it,” said Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, in a heartfelt statement.
Born in May 1908, Ms. Itooka witnessed over a century of remarkable global changes, including two world wars, pandemics, and countless technological advancements. She was a student-athlete, known for playing volleyball and climbing Mount Ontake—an impressive 3,067 meters (10,062 feet)—twice during her youth.
In later years, she enjoyed simple pleasures, such as bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese milky soft drink, as mentioned in the mayor’s tribute.
Ms. Itooka married at the age of 20 and had four children—two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.
She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A private funeral service was held with family and close friends.
As of September 2024, Japan was home to more than 95,000 centenarians, 88% of whom are women. In a country where nearly a third of the population is aged 65 or older, Ms. Itooka’s life served as a symbol of longevity and endurance.
The title of the world’s oldest person now passes on, though Guinness World Records has yet to announce a new holder.