Japan's Tomiko Itooka Dies at 116

Ashiya, Japan - December 29, 2024 - Tomiko Itooka, the world's oldest living person recognized by Guinness World Records, has breathed her last at the age of 116. According to an Ashiya city official, Itooka passed away on Saturday in a nursing home in the city.

Itooka was born on May 23, 1908, and had been holding the record since August last year after Spain's Maria Branyas Morera passed away. She died at her nursing home residence in Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture.

Born in Osaka, Itooka grew up to be an active individual who still managed to keep a youthful spirit despite witnessing two World Wars throughout her life. In high school, she was known for being a volleyball player. A fitness enthusiast, Itooka climbed Mount Ontake twice, reaching its summit of 3,067 meters (10,062 feet).

She married at the age of 20 and went on to have four children while also serving as the managerial assistant in her husband's textile factory during World War II. Following her husband's death in 1979, Itooka lived alone in Nara.

Last year, Itooka was officially recognized as Japan's oldest person by Guinness World Records, receiving a special certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese public holiday celebrating the accomplishments of the country's elderly. At that time, she stood at an impressive age of 116 years old.

As of now, Brazil holds the world record title, with Inah Canabarro Lucas taking over as the oldest living person after Itooka's passing, born mere 16 days before her predecessor.

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