Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person from Japan, Passes Away at 116

At 116, Tomiko Itooka, Japan's oldest resident and recently recognized by Guinness World Records, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration built over her remarkable lifetime.

Tomiko Itooka, a remarkable Japanese woman widely recognized as the world's oldest person, passed away at a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan, at the age of 116. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Ms. Itooka lived through significant historical events, including both World Wars and Japan's transformation into a modern power.

In a statement made on Saturday, Ashiya's mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed his condolences, acknowledging the hope and inspiration that Ms. Itooka provided throughout her lifetime. Reports indicate she died peacefully, likely due to age-related complications.

Born as Tomiko Yano, she had a background deeply rooted in her family's clothing business. Her early years were marked by Japan’s ascent as an imperial power, and she witnessed the turmoil during and after World War II. While her husband managed a factory in Korea during the war, Ms. Itooka took on the full responsibility of raising their four children while running the textile business.

After the passing of her husband in 1979, she moved to Ashiya, where her love for hiking continued into her later years. Remarkably, it was reported that she was still able to navigate the steps to her local shrine at the age of 100, with no assistance.

When asked about her longevity, she humorously attributed her long life to her fondness for bananas and a popular Japanese dairy beverage called Calpis. At the end of her life, Ms. Itooka was survived by one daughter, one son, and numerous grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and dedication.