A Japanese woman, Tomiko Itooka, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 116.
Officials confirmed that Itooka died at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.
She held the title of the world’s oldest person following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at the age of 117.
“Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life,” Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor Ryosuke Takashima said in a statement.
“We thank her for it.”
Tomiko Itooka, born in May 1908—six years before World War I and the same year the Ford Model T debuted in the United States—lived a remarkable life spanning over a century.
She was officially recognized as the world’s oldest person in September 2024 and received her Guinness World Records certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese holiday celebrating the nation’s elderly.
As one of three siblings, Itooka witnessed world wars, pandemics, and significant technological advancements. During her youth, she played volleyball and climbed Mount Ontake (3,067 meters) twice.
In later years, she enjoyed bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese milky soft drink, according to a statement from the mayor.
Married at 20, she had two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After her husband’s death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara.
Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Her funeral was attended by family and friends.
As of September, Japan recorded over 95,000 centenarians, 88% of whom are women. Nearly one-third of the country’s 124 million people are aged 65 or older.
Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born 16 days after Itooka, is now believed to be the world’s oldest person at 116.