Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has died at the age of 116, an official from Ashiya city announced on Saturday.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official overseeing elderly welfare, confirmed that Itooka passed away on 29 December at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.
Born on 23 May 1908, Itooka loved bananas and a yoghurt-flavoured Japanese drink called Calpis. She became the world’s oldest person last year after the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, as noted by the Gerontology Research Group. Upon learning she had topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, her response was a simple “Thank you.”
On her birthday last year, Itooka celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.
Originally from Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player during her school years and was known for her lively spirit. She climbed Mount Ontake, a 3,067-metre peak, twice.
At 20, she married and later had two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed the office at her husband’s textile factory. After his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.
Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Her funeral was held with family and close friends, Nagata confirmed.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is also 116 and was born 16 days after Itooka.
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