In brief
Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who recently turned 116 years old, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and longevity. Born in 1908, Itooka witnessed significant historical events and lived through various challenges, inspiring many with her story. Her death marks a poignant end to a distinguished life that lasted over a century.
Tomiko Itooka, born in May 1908, died in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, at the age of 116. After being declared the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records following the death of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024, Itooka's life story inspired many. "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life," stated Ryosuke Takashima, the mayor of Ashiya, in a heartfelt tribute. She was celebrated on Respect for the Aged Day, highlighting Japan's reverence for its senior citizens.Throughout her long life, Itooka was part of significant historical eras, from the World Wars to the advancement of technology. An active person in her youth, she participated in volleyball and climbed Mount Ontake, standing 3,067 meters tall. Later in life, she enjoyed simple pleasures like bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese drink. Married at 20, she had four children and played a vital role in managing her husband's textile factory during World War II. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara until her later years.Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, Itooka's family held a funeral service in her honor. As of this September, Japan has over 95,000 centenarians, with women representing 88% of this demographic. Following her death, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, is now considered the world's oldest living person. The aging population in Japan is a growing demographic, with nearly a third of its 124 million citizens aged 65 or older.
