At 116, world’s oldest person Tomiko Itooka dies in Japan

She became the world’s oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

By: Express Web Desk

January 4, 2025 06:48 PM IST

2 min read

Tomiko Itooka on her 116th birthday at a nursing home in Ashiya, western Japan, on 23 May 2024. (Photo: AP)

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has passed away, an official announced on Saturday. She was 116 years old.

Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official overseeing elderly welfare, confirmed that Itooka died on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, in central Japan.

“Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life,” Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor Ryosuke Takashima said in a statement, BBC reported.

Born on May 23, 1908 – six years before the World War One, became the world’s oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

According to a report by BBC, when informed she had topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, Itooka humbly responded, “Thank you.” She was presented with the official GWR certificate on the Respect for the Aged Day, which is a Japanese public holiday celebrated annually to honour the country’s elderly citizens.

In her older age, Itooka enjoyed bananas and a popular Japanese yoghurt-flavoured drink called Calpis, as per a statement by the mayor.

On her birthday last year, she was celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.

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Born in Osaka, Itooka played volleyball during her school years and was known for her lively and energetic nature, Nagata shared. She even climbed Mount Ontake, which stands at 3,067 metres (10,062 feet), twice.

Itooka married at the age of 20 and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After his passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.

She is survived by a son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service attended by family and friends has already been held, Nagata said.

The Gerontology Research Group states that the title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, aged 116, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.

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