World's Oldest Person, Japanese Woman Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116
World's Oldest Person, Japanese Woman Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116
Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, passed away at the age of 116, according to an official from Ashiya city on Saturday.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official responsible for elderly policies, confirmed that Itooka died on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, located in central Japan.
Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka became the world’s oldest person last year after the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, as noted by the Gerontology Research Group. A fan of bananas and the yogurt-flavored Japanese drink Calpis, Itooka expressed gratitude when informed of her top ranking on the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, simply saying, “Thank you.”
During her birthday celebration last year, Itooka was honored with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.
Originally from Osaka, Itooka was an active volleyball player in high school and was known for her lively spirit, according to Nagata. She even climbed Mount Ontake, a 3,067-meter (10,062-foot) peak, twice in her lifetime.
Married at 20, she had two daughters and two sons. During World War II, Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After her husband’s death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.
She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held privately with family and friends, Nagata reported.
The Gerontology Research Group stated that the title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.
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