Tomiko Itooka, World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 116
Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person globally, has passed away at the age of 116. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) confirmed her death. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka lived independently until she was 110, moving into a care facility in Ashiya City, Osaka Prefecture, in 2019. She celebrated her 116th birthday there last year.
Itooka, a mother of four and grandmother to several, was known for her strong verbal skills, despite some hearing difficulties. Her secret to longevity, according to Guinness World Records, was her love for hiking. She regularly climbed Mount Nijo (517 meters) and had even scaled the 3,000-meter Mount Ontake twice. Her family attributed her longevity to these physically active habits.
Itooka received official recognition from Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person on September 1, 2024, at the age of 116 years and 116 days. Prior to this, María Branyas Morera of Spain held the title at 117 years. Following Itooka’s passing, Brazil’s Ina Canabarro Lucas, also 116, has become the world’s oldest living person.
Related reading