TOKYO. Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 116, an official from Ashiya City confirmed on Saturday.
According to Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official overseeing elderly welfare, Itooka died on December 29 at a care facility in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.
Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka held the title of the world’s oldest person following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas last year, as verified by the Gerontology Research Group.
When informed of her recognition as the world’s oldest living person, Itooka humbly responded, “Thank you.”
A Life Marked by Vitality and Simplicity
Known for her love of bananas and the yogurt-flavored Japanese drink Calpis, Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday last year with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor of Ashiya.
Born in Osaka, she was a volleyball player during her high school years and was admired for her active lifestyle. Nagata shared that Itooka even climbed Mount Ontake (3,067 meters or 10,062 feet) twice during her lifetime.
She married at the age of 20, raising two daughters and two sons, and played a vital role in managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II. After her husband died in 1979, Itooka chose to live independently in Nara until her later years.
Family and Legacy
Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held privately with family and close friends, according to Nagata.
The New Oldest Living Person
Following Itooka’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person now belongs to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Itooka’s remarkable life stands as a testament to longevity and resilience, inspiring many with her vitality and humble spirit.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
