A 116-year-old Japanese woman, recognized as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Tomiko Itooka’s death marks the end of an era as she was acknowledged after Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who died in August 2024 at age 117.
According to Ashiya’s mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, “Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life.”
Born in May 1908, Ms. Itooka witnessed significant historical events, including both World Wars and numerous technological advancements. She was verified as the oldest person globally in September 2024, receiving the official recognition on Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly.
Having played volleyball and climbed the impressive Mount Ontake twice during her youth, Ms. Itooka later enjoyed simple pleasures such as bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese soft drink. At 20, she married and had two daughters and two sons, and during World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory, living independently in Nara after his passing in 1979.
She leaves behind one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends to honor her life.
As of September, Japan reports over 95,000 centenarians, with women representing 88% of this demographic. About a third of the nation’s 124 million population is aged 65 or older. Following Ms. Itooka’s death, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days later, is now believed to hold the title of the world’s oldest living person.
