Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person, passed away at 116 in Ashiya, Japan, as announced by the city authorities on Saturday, January 4. She passed away on December 29 at a care facility where she had been living since 2019. She was born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, close to Ashiya, just four months prior to the introduction of the Ford Model T in the United States.
Itooka was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at the age of 117. Ryosuke Takashima, Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor, shared his gratitude, saying, “Ms. Itooka’s extraordinary life filled us with courage and hope. We are deeply thankful for her inspiration.”
She lived through two world wars, multiple pandemics, and incredible technological and societal transformations. As one of three siblings, she was also fond of playing football during her school years. In her later years, she took pleasure in simple treats like bananas and Calpis, a beloved milky beverage in Japan, as mentioned in the mayor’s statement.
Tomiko Itooka had four children and five grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations.
Japan, a country known for the longevity of its citizens, is currently grappling with a demographic crisis. Nearly one-third of Japan’s 124 million residents are 65 years old or above. As of September, the nation reported over 95,000 centenarians, 88% of whom are women, reflecting both the strength and challenges of an aging society.
