In a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, has died. Her passing comes after she celebrated her milestone birthday just months ago on May 23, 2024. The mayor of Ashiya, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life," highlighting the impact she had on her community.
Born in 1908, Itooka witnessed significant events including both World Wars, technological advancements, and health crises over her lifetime. She became the world's oldest living person after the death of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024. Her official recognition as the oldest came in September and was celebrated during Japan's Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday that honors the elderly.
Itooka was one of three siblings and exhibited an adventurous spirit in her youth, engaging in activities such as volleyball and summiting Mount Ontake twice. After marrying at 20, she gave birth to two daughters and two sons, while also playing a pivotal role in the operations of her husband's textile factory during wartime. Following her husband's death in 1979, she continued to reside independently in Nara.
Survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren, Tomiko Itooka's funeral was attended by friends and family, celebrating a life that inspired many. As Japan faces an aging population with over 95,000 residents aged 100 or older, Brazil's Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now confirmed as the new world's oldest person.
Born in 1908, Itooka witnessed significant events including both World Wars, technological advancements, and health crises over her lifetime. She became the world's oldest living person after the death of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024. Her official recognition as the oldest came in September and was celebrated during Japan's Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday that honors the elderly.
Itooka was one of three siblings and exhibited an adventurous spirit in her youth, engaging in activities such as volleyball and summiting Mount Ontake twice. After marrying at 20, she gave birth to two daughters and two sons, while also playing a pivotal role in the operations of her husband's textile factory during wartime. Following her husband's death in 1979, she continued to reside independently in Nara.
Survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren, Tomiko Itooka's funeral was attended by friends and family, celebrating a life that inspired many. As Japan faces an aging population with over 95,000 residents aged 100 or older, Brazil's Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now confirmed as the new world's oldest person.
