Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Living Person, Dies at 116: ‘Gave Us Courage and Hope Through Her Long Life’
The Japanese woman became the oldest living person in August after the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera
City of Ashiya via AP
Tomiko Itooka on her 116th birtthday on May 23, 2024Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the Guinness World Records’ oldest living person, has died. She was 116.
Itooka died on Dec. 29 at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, in central Japan, where she had lived for the past five year, the Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Itooka, who was known for her love of bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born on May 23, 1908. She became the oldest living person in August following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera, who had previously held the title.
In May 2024, Itooka made a public appearance to celebrate her 116th birthday and was visited by Mayor Ryosuke Takashima, who gifted her with a cake, a card and flowers.
"Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life," the mayor, 27, said in a statement, per BBC. "We thank her for it.”
City of Ashiya via AP
Tomiko Itooka on her 116th birtthday on May 23, 2024Related: New World’s Oldest Man, 111, Puts Long Life Down to Weekly Fish and Chips and ‘Just Luck’
Four months after her 116th birthday, Itooka was visited by GWR to be presented with her official certificate.
Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player at an all-girls high school who was known for her lively spirit. She was also an accomplished mountain climber. She climbed the 10,062-foot Mount Ontake twice.
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GWR noted Itooka married at 20 and had two daughters and two sons.
At 32, during World War II, Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory in addition to taking care of her children. After her husband died in 1979, she lived alone in Nara Prefecture and spent a lot of time doing her favorite activities: hiking and climbing.
According to her family, per GWR, Itooka’s active lifestyle was the key to her longevity. At 100, she remained able to climb the stone steps of Ashiya Shrine without the aid of a walking stick.
A funeral service was held with family and friends.
Itooka is survived by one son and one daughter and five grandchildren, according to BBC, citing officials.
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