Officially acknowledged as the oldest person in the world, Tomiko Itooka, who reached 116 years, passed away on Sunday at her nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. According to officials, the oldest woman has left behind memories of endurance and inspiration.
When did Tomiko become oldest person in the world?
Itooka became the world’s oldest living person in September 2024, following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who was 117 years old. Her long life offered hope and courage said Ashiya’s mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, in a statement.
Born in May 1908, Itooka lived through the greatest historical events, such as two world wars, pandemics, and technological revolutions. At the time of her birth, no greater technological innovation was greater than the release of the legendary Ford Model T car.
As she was in her youth, the active woman could easily go play volleyball or climb to the top of Mount Ontake twice. Later in life, when her husband established a textile factory, she used to manage its office during the war.
Tomiko’s husband passed a long ago
Itooka was fond of bananas and Calpis, a milky Japanese soft drink. She would enjoy these during her later years. After her husband died in 1979, she lived alone in Nara.
The Guinness World Records officially recognized her as the world’s oldest person in 2024. She received the certificate during Respect for the Aged Day, which is a holiday in Japan that is dedicated to honoring the elderly.
Itooka was survived by a son, daughter, and five grandchildren. She was accorded a private funeral service which was attended by immediate family members and close friends.
Japan has the largest population of elderly people in the world, with a population of more than 95,000 centenarians as of September 2024, out of whom 88% are women. More than one-third of its population is above the age of 65 years.
Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now believed to be the world’s oldest living person at 116.
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