TOKYO — A significant loss has been felt as Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the remarkable age of 116. News of her death was confirmed by an official from Ashiya city on Saturday.
According to Yoshitsugu Nagata, who oversees elderly policies in the region, Itooka took her last breath on December 29 while residing in a care home in Ashiya, a city located in Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.
Itooka was born on May 23, 1908, and was known for her fondness for bananas and Calpis, a yogurt-flavored beverage popular in Japan. She attained the title of the oldest person in the world last year following the passing of Maria Branyas, who was 117 years old at the time of her death, as verified by the Gerontology Research Group.
When Itooka learned that she was ranked at the top of the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, her humble response was a simple “Thank you.”
During her birthday celebration last year, the community honored her with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor, showcasing the admiration and affection she had received.
Originally from Osaka, Itooka had a youthful spirit and was active in sports, particularly volleyball during her high school years. Nagata remarked on her vibrant nature, highlighting her adventurous spirit, which led her to climb Mount Ontake, standing 3,067 meters (10,062 feet) high, on two separate occasions.
At the age of 20, she married and became a mother to two daughters and two sons. Throughout World War II, she played a critical role by managing her husband’s textile factory. Following the death of her husband in 1979, she chose to live independently in Nara.
She leaves behind one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A private funeral service was conducted to honor her life, attended by family and friends.
As of now, the title of the world’s oldest person has been passed on to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.
