- Tomiko Itooka, World's Oldest Person, Dies at 116
- World's Oldest Person Dies in Japan at 116
- 116-Year-Old Japanese Woman, Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away
Ashiya, Japan - Tomiko Itooka, the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 116. The city of Ashiya, where Itooka resided, announced her passing on Saturday. Itooka peacefully passed away on December 29th at a nursing home she had called home since 2019.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka's life spanned a remarkable period of history, witnessing world wars, pandemics, and incredible technological advancements. She was a student when the Ford Model T was first introduced, offering a glimpse into the long and full life she led.
Itooka was recognized as the world's oldest person following the passing of Maria Branyas Morera of Spain in August 2024. Ashiya's mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed gratitude for Itooka's enduring spirit, stating, "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it."
A lover of volleyball in her youth, Itooka enjoyed simple pleasures in her later years, including bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese soft drink.
Japan is known for the longevity of its citizens, particularly women. However, the country faces a growing demographic challenge with an aging population and shrinking workforce. As of September 2024, over 95,000 people in Japan were centenarians, with women making up 88% of that group.
With Itooka's passing, the title of world's oldest person now belongs to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born on June 8, 1908, according to the US Gerontological Research Group and LongeviQuest.
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