Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka lived through monumental changes in Japan, from its pre-war imperialism to its transformation into a modern democracy post-World War II. In a statement from Ashiya's mayor, He expressed condolences, highlighting her legacy of courage and hope. Itooka became the oldest living person verified by Guinness World Records following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera in 2024.
During her life, she managed a family textile business while raising four children after her husband, Kenji Itooka, left for Korea during the war. Following his passing in 1979, she moved to Ashiya and maintained a passion for hiking well into her later years, often seen visiting local shrines. Itooka attributed her longevity to a diet rich in bananas and Calpis, a traditional Japanese dairy drink. She is survived by one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren.
Miharu Nishiyama and Hisako Ueno contributed to this report.
During her life, she managed a family textile business while raising four children after her husband, Kenji Itooka, left for Korea during the war. Following his passing in 1979, she moved to Ashiya and maintained a passion for hiking well into her later years, often seen visiting local shrines. Itooka attributed her longevity to a diet rich in bananas and Calpis, a traditional Japanese dairy drink. She is survived by one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren.
Miharu Nishiyama and Hisako Ueno contributed to this report.
