Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised as the world’s oldest person by the Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official responsible for elderly policies, confirmed on Saturday, 4th January, that Itooka died on 29th December at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.
Born on 23rd May 1908, Itooka was named the oldest living person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
When told that she had topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, Itooka simply replied, “Thank you.”
During her birthday celebration last year, she was presented with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.
A native of Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school and was known for her energetic personality, Nagata shared. She even climbed the 3,067-metre Mount Ontake twice.
She married at the age of 20 and had two daughters and two sons, as reported by Guinness. During World War II, she managed her husband’s textile factory office. After her husband’s death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara.
Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, according to Nagata.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest living person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.
