A Japanese woman recognized as the world’s oldest person has passed away at the age of 116.
Tomiko Itooka died at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, as confirmed by local officials.
She became the world’s oldest person in September 2024 after Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera passed away at 117 earlier that year.
“Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We are deeply grateful,” said Ashiya Mayor Ryosuke Takashima in a heartfelt statement.
Born in May 1908, Ms. Itooka lived through significant historical events, including two world wars and the rise of modern technology. She was officially recognized as the oldest person during Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day in September 2024.
Throughout her life, Ms. Itooka enjoyed physical activities, climbing Mount Ontake twice as a student and playing volleyball. Later, she developed a fondness for bananas and the Japanese drink Calpis.
She married at 20, raising two daughters and two sons, and supported her husband by managing his textile factory during World War II. Following his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.
Ms. Itooka is survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren. A private funeral service was held in her honor.
Japan, known for its aging population, had over 95,000 centenarians as of September 2024, with nearly 90% being women. Almost one-third of the nation’s 124 million people are 65 or older.
Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, 116, born just 16 days after Ms. Itooka, is now believed to be the world’s oldest person.