In a heartfelt farewell, Japan remembers Tomiko Itooka, who passed away at the age of 116 in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Recognized as the oldest living person in the world after the passing of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera, Itooka's life spanned a remarkable 116 years filled with significant historical events and personal milestones.
Mayor Ryosuke Takashima of Ashiya expressed the impact of Itooka's life on the community, stating, “Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life.” Her birth in May 1908 predated the First World War and the advent of the Ford Model T car, marking her presence through major changes in the world.
Officially recognized as the world's oldest person in September 2024, Itooka was celebrated on Japan's Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday dedicated to honoring senior citizens. She navigated through world wars, pandemics, and remarkable technological advancements.
She was known for her spirited nature, having enjoyed physical activities like volleyball during her youth and summiting Mount Ontake twice. In her senior years, she delighted in simple pleasures, such as consuming bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese drink.
Born into a family of three siblings, Itooka married at 20, raising two daughters and two sons. She played a vital role in managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II and continued to live independently in Nara after his passing in 1979. She is survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren.
As of September, Japan is home to more than 95,000 centenarians, primarily women, as the country faces an aging population, with nearly a third of its 124 million residents aged 65 or older. Following Itooka's passing, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after her, is now considered the world's oldest person.
