TOKYO. Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old woman from Japan, has officially been recognized as the world’s oldest living person following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas. The announcement was confirmed by Guinness World Records on Thursday.
Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, was verified by the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks and validates the ages of people aged 110 and above. Her age places her at the top of the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, making her the oldest living person globally.
Residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, Itooka expressed her gratitude when informed about her new title, simply saying, “Thank you.” This phrase is one she frequently shares with the caregivers at her home.
Earlier this year, Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday with a special celebration that included flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor of Ashiya. Despite her advanced age, she maintains a daily routine that includes enjoying a popular yogurt-flavored drink called Calpis every morning, and her favorite food is bananas.
Throughout her life, Itooka has remained active. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After her husband died in 1979, she lived independently in Nara for many years before moving into the nursing home. Remarkably, Itooka climbed the 3,067-meter (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake twice and continued to enjoy long hikes even after turning 100.
Itooka’s new title as the world’s oldest living person is a testament to her resilience and the long, active life she has led.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
