Tokyo [Japan], January 4: Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman born before World War I and recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at the age of 116 in a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan, as reported by The New York Times.
Itooka, born Tomiko Yano in Osaka on May 23, 1908, is survived by one daughter, one son, and an unknown number of grandchildren. Her death occurred last Sunday, though the cause was not disclosed, with local reports suggesting she died peacefully due to complications related to old age.
Ashiya Mayor Ryosuke Takashima expressed condolences, acknowledging the immense inspiration Itooka provided through her remarkable life. “Ms. Itooka gave us great courage and hope throughout her long life,” he said.
Guinness World Records, which recognized Itooka as the oldest living person in September 2024, also mourned her passing, sharing its sympathies on X. Prior to her death, Itooka had made a public appearance in May 2024 to celebrate her 116th birthday.
Born into a family that ran a clothing store in pre-war Japan, Itooka witnessed dramatic shifts in her country’s history—from its rise as a colonial power to its post-World War II recovery and transformation into an industrial giant. She had an active and vibrant life, playing volleyball in high school, running a business during World War II, and continuing to hike well into her 80s.
Itooka’s secret to longevity, according to local reports, included eating bananas and drinking Calpis, a Japanese dairy drink.