The world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka from Japan, passed away at the age of 116, according to an announcement from her hometown of Ashiya on Saturday.
Itooka, who had four children and five grandchildren, died on December 29 at a nursing home where she had lived since 2019, Ashiya’s mayor confirmed in a statement.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, just months before the Ford Model T was launched in the United States, Itooka lived through remarkable moments in history, including world wars, pandemics, and groundbreaking technological advancements.
Recognized as the oldest living person after Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117, Itooka became a symbol of resilience and hope.
“Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We are deeply thankful,” said Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, in his tribute.
As a young student, Itooka enjoyed playing volleyball, and in her later years, she developed a fondness for bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan, according to the mayor’s statement.
Japan, known for its longevity rates, is home to over 95,000 centenarians as of September, with women making up 88% of this population. However, the country faces a growing demographic challenge, with nearly one-third of its 124 million people aged 65 or older, leading to increasing medical and welfare costs amid a shrinking workforce.
Itooka’s life stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit, inspiring many across generations.
