Home Health Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 116 in Japan

Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 116 in Japan

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ASHIYA, Japan — Tomiko Itooka, who was recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, died on December 29 at a care home in Hyogo Prefecture, local officials confirmed Saturday. She was 116.

Itooka, a former textile factory office manager with a remarkable zest for life, was born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka. Her longevity was matched by an extraordinary spirit that saw her climb the 10,062-foot Mount Ontake twice and maintain an active lifestyle well into her later years.

“She was known for her sprightly attitude,” said Yoshitsugu Nagata, a city official responsible for elderly policies. When informed of her status as the world’s oldest person last year, Itooka’s humble response was simply, “Thank you.”

A volleyball player in her youth, Itooka married at 20 and raised four children. She managed her husband’s textile factory during World War II and continued living independently in Nara after her husband’s death in 1979.

Itooka was known for her love of bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese yogurt drink. On her last birthday, she was celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a personal card from the local mayor.

She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. The Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka, now holds the title of world’s oldest person.

The funeral was a private affair, attended by family and close friends.