Farewell to Tomiko Itooka, the World's Oldest Person at 116**

Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 116. Her life spanned both tumultuous and transformative times, inspiring many through her longevity.**

A remarkable chapter in the story of longevity has closed with the passing of Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman celebrated as the world's oldest person who died at the age of 116 in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Officials confirmed her death, prompting an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt message from Ashiya's mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, who noted that "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life."

Tomiko Itooka was born in May 1908, a year that not only predates World War One but also marks the launch of the Ford Model T in the United States. It wasn't until September 2024 that she was recognized as the world's oldest person, following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away at 117 in August. Ms. Itooka received her official Guinness World Records certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, a celebrated public holiday in Japan that honors elderly citizens.

Throughout her life, Tomiko Itooka witnessed an array of historical events, from world wars to the ever-advancing technology of modern times. As a student, she was active in sports, enjoying volleyball and even climbing Mount Ontake — a striking 3,067-meter peak — twice. In her later years, she was noted for her love of bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan.

Tomiko married at 20 and raised two daughters and two sons. During World War Two, she played a pivotal role in managing her husband's textile factory. Following his death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara until her final years. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, who held a funeral service to remember her.

As of September 2024, Japan boasts over 95,000 centenarians, with 88% being women, reflecting a cultural respect for the elderly. Of the nation’s 124 million inhabitants, nearly a third are aged 65 or over. With Tomiko Itooka's passing, the title of the world's oldest person is now believed to belong to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.