Tomiko Itooka, famed as one of the world’s oldest individuals, has sadly passed away at the age of 116 in a nursing home located in Ashiya, Japan. It was reported that she died peacefully due to complications related to old age, prompting the mayor of Ashiya, Ryosuke Takashima, to express heartfelt condolences and gratitude for her inspiring life.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Japan, Ms. Itooka was the daughter of a clothing store owner and witnessed pivotal moments in world history throughout her lifetime. A proud figure recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person following the death of another record-holder, Maria Branyas Morera, she held a unique perspective on Japan's transformation from an imperial force prior to World War I to a peaceful, industrialized nation after its devastation in 1945.
In her formative years, Ms. Itooka enjoyed sports like volleyball and later married textile entrepreneur Kenji Itooka. During World War II, while her husband oversaw a plant in Korea, she maintained their business and raised their four children single-handedly. The couple shared 51 years of marriage until his passing in 1979.
Later in life, Ms. Itooka moved to Ashiya and became an avid hiker, reportedly climbing the stone steps to her local Shinto shrine well into her 80s. Even at 100 years old, she was noted for her remarkable vitality, often attributing her longevity to a simple diet that included bananas and a popular Japanese drink called Calpis.
She leaves behind one son, one daughter, and several grandchildren, having inspired many with her story of strength and endurance.
