The world’s oldest person Tomiko Itooka, has passed away at the age of 116. The Japanese woman, who had garnered global recognition for her remarkable longevity, died on December 29, 2024, at a nursing home in Ashiya, located in Japan’s southern Hyogo prefecture. Her death was confirmed by Ashiya’s mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, who praised her for the courage and hope her long life had provided to many.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Japan, Itooka witnessed over a century of world history, including the tumult of world wars, pandemics, and extraordinary technological advancements. Her birth came just four months before the debut of the Ford Model T in the United States, marking the beginning of significant industrial change.
Itooka became the world’s oldest living person in August 2024, after the passing of Spain’s María Branyas Morera, who died at 117. She had been residing at a retirement home in Ashiya since 2019, where she enjoyed simple pleasures in her later years, such as eating bananas and drinking Calpis, a popular Japanese soft drink. Itooka’s life and longevity brought inspiration to those around her, and the mayor of Ashiya expressed gratitude for the hope she had instilled in her community.
Japan, renowned for the longevity of its people, faces a demographic challenge, with an aging population putting pressure on medical and welfare systems. As of September 2024, Japan had over 95,000 centenarians, with 88% of them being women. Despite these challenges, Itooka’s life serves as a testament to the possibilities of long, fulfilling years.
The oldest verified person to ever live was Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who reached 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997. While Itooka’s death marks the end of an era for the world’s oldest living person, her life remains a remarkable symbol of resilience and longevity.
