World’s Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Dies at 116: A Legacy of Longevity
The world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka of Japan, has passed away at the age of 116, the city of Ashiya announced on Saturday.
Itooka, who was a mother of four and grandmother of five, died on December 29 at a nursing home where she had been living since 2019, according to Mayor Ryosuke Takashima.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka near Ashiya, her birth coincided with significant historical milestones, including the launch of the Ford Model T just months later.
She became the world’s oldest person following the passing of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who died at 117 in August 2024.
“Ms. Itooka inspired us all with her long and remarkable life. We are deeply grateful for her legacy,” said Mayor Takashima, aged 27.
One of three siblings, Itooka witnessed two world wars, global pandemics, and sweeping technological advancements. In her youth, she enjoyed volleyball and, in later years, delighted in bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese milky drink.
Japan, known for its high life expectancy, faces a growing demographic challenge. An aging population has strained healthcare and welfare systems, worsened by a shrinking workforce.
As of September, Japan had over 95,000 centenarians, with women comprising 88% of this group. Nearly one-third of the country’s population of 124 million is aged 65 or older.
