Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116 in Japan
Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has sadly passed away at the age of 116 in Japan. Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official responsible for elderly policies, confirmed that Itooka breathed her last on 29 December at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo prefecture, in central Japan.
A Remarkable Life
Born on 23 May 1908, Itooka held the title of the oldest person in the world after the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas last year, as reported by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). Despite her advanced age, she led a vibrant life, enjoying bananas and a popular yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis. When informed of her prestigious ranking as the world’s oldest supercentenarian, she humbly responded with a simple “Thank you.”
Spirited and Active
Itooka’s lively spirit was well-known in her community. Hailing from Osaka, she excelled as a volleyball player in secondary school and even scaled the impressive 3,067-meter (10,062-ft) Mount Ontake twice. She tied the knot at the age of 20 and went on to raise two daughters and two sons. During the tumultuous years of World War II, she efficiently managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. Following her husband’s passing in 1979, Itooka resided independently in Nara.
Family Legacy
Survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren, Itooka’s legacy lives on through her family. Her life was celebrated with a funeral service attended by loved ones and friends, as shared by Nagata. The torch of the world’s oldest person has now passed on to 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun born just 16 days after Itooka, as per the GRG.
In the bustling tapestry of life, Tomiko Itooka’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Her story transcends generations, reminding us that age is but a number in the face of a life well-lived. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, let us honor her memory by cherishing each moment and embracing the joy of living fully, just as she did.