Renowned as the world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka has died at the age of 116, according to reports from Japan’s public television station, NHK. Itooka passed away in a nursing home in Ashiya, located in the southern Hyogo prefecture, on December 29.
The mayor of Ashiya, Ryosuke Takashima, confirmed the news, stating that Ms. Tomiko Itooka had been residing at the retirement facility since 2019. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka—a region near Ashiya—Itooka witnessed over a century of significant historical events, including two world wars, global pandemics, and remarkable technological advancements. Her birth occurred just four months before the introduction of the Ford Model T in the United States.
Itooka was recognized as the world’s oldest living person in August 2024, following the passing of Spain’s María Branyas Morera, who died at 117.
In his statement, Mayor Takashima expressed gratitude for Itooka’s long life, saying, “Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her longevity. We extend our thanks to her.”
In her later years, Itooka enjoyed simple pleasures, such as bananas and Calpis, a beloved milky soft drink popular in Japan.
While longevity among Japanese women is well-recognized, the nation is grappling with a demographic challenge. The aging population has led to escalating medical and welfare costs, creating strains as the workforce diminishes, struggling to support these expenditures. As of September, Japan recorded over 95,000 centenarians, with women making up 88% of that figure.
The record for the oldest verified person ever to live is held by Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days before her death in August 1997.
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