Tomiko Itooka, World's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116

Tomiko Itooka's remarkable journey from pre-war Japan to her final years at a nursing home reflects a life filled with resilience and inspiration.

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognized as the oldest person in the world, has passed away at a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan, at the age of 116. The news of her death was confirmed on Saturday by Ashiya’s mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, who stated she had passed away the previous Sunday, attributing the cause to complications of old age, as noted by local media.

Ms. Itooka, who was born as Tomiko Yano on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, was acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person in September 2024. Her life spanned a period of extraordinary change, beginning before World War I and witnessing significant historical events, including Japan's rise as an imperial power and its later transformation into a peaceful democracy.

Raised in a clothing retail family, she later married Kenji Itooka and had four children. During World War II, while her husband managed a factory in Korea, she effectively led the family's textile business and nurtured her children. After a long and dedicated marriage that lasted 51 years, she later relocated to Ashiya, where she continued to lead an active life, embracing outdoor activities well into her 90s.

Despite reaching the age of 100, Ms. Itooka was noted for her hiking abilities, often walking the challenging stone steps of her local Shinto shrine without a cane. When asked about her longevity, she humorously pointed to her love for bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese drink, as part of her daily routine.

Survived by one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren, her passing evokes a sense of gratitude and reflection on a life well-lived, bridging generations and histories.