Ms. Itooka lived through significant historical events including both World Wars and various pandemics. A notable athlete in her youth, she climbed Mount Ontake and played volleyball. After marrying at 20, she managed her husband's textile factory during World War II and is survived by her son, daughter, and five grandchildren. Japan currently boasts more than 95,000 individuals aged 100 and older, and with her passing, the title of the oldest person now likely belongs to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is just 16 days younger.
Tomiko Itooka, World's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116
Tomiko Itooka, World's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116
Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 116 in Japan.
The city of Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, mourns the loss of Tomiko Itooka, who died in a nursing home after a remarkable life spanning over a century. Born in May 1908, Itooka became the world's oldest living person following the passing of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024. During a heartfelt tribute, Ashiya's mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed gratitude for her inspirational life.
