Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was ranked as the oldest person in the world by Guinness World Records, died at the astounding age of 116.
Itooka passed away on December 29 at a care facility in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan, according to Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of senior policy.
Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, became the oldest person in the world after Maria Branyas, who was 117 years old, passed away in 2023.
After being told of her new status, Itooka respectfully said,
“Thank you.”
Flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor were used to celebrate her 116th birthday.
Itooka had a busy and happy life. In her younger years, she played volleyball and was well-known for her exuberance. She even made two ascents of the 3,067-meter peak Mount Ontake.
Itooka oversaw her husband’s textile factory during World War II after they were married at the age of 20. She lived alone in Nara after her husband’s death in 1979 until her own death. Five grandchildren, a daughter, and a son survive Itooka. Family and friends attended a private funeral service.
Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who was born 16 days after Itooka, is currently 116 years old and holds the record for being the oldest person in the world.
