Tomiko Itooka, officially recognised as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, has died aged 116. She passed away at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, according to local officials.
“Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it,” said Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, in a statement.
Born in May 1908, Ms Itooka witnessed remarkable historical and technological milestones, from World War One to the launch of the Ford Model T. She became the world’s oldest person in September 2024, following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera at age 117.
To mark her recognition, Ms Itooka was presented with an official Guinness World Records certificate during Japan’s annual Respect for the Aged Day in 2024, a celebration honouring elderly citizens.
Ms Itooka led a vibrant life, excelling in volleyball as a student and climbing Mount Ontake twice. In later years, she enjoyed simple pleasures like bananas and Calpis, a milky Japanese soft drink.
She married at 20, had four children, and managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during World War Two. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she lived alone in Nara. She is survived by two children and five grandchildren.
Japan, known for its longevity, recorded over 95,000 centenarians as of September 2024, with women making up 88% of the total.
The title of the world’s oldest person is now believed to belong to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Ms Itooka.
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