Tomiko Itooka, world's oldest person, dies at 116
She became the oldest person in the world after Maria Branyas Morera from Spain passed away in August 2024 at 117.
Tomiko Itooka, who held the title of the world's oldest person according to Guinness World Records, died at 116, BBC News reported on Saturday.
She became the oldest person in the world after Maria Branyas Morera from Spain passed away in August 2024 at 117.
"Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life," Ryosuke Takashima, the mayor of Itooka's city of Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, said in a statement cited by the British news outlet, adding, "We thank her for it."
Itooka was verified as the world's oldest person in September 2024, and was presented with the official Guinness World Records certificate on the Japanese holiday Respect for the Aged Day.
Itooka's life
Born in 1908, Itooka lived through world wars and pandemics, among other historic events.
According to the BBC, she climbed the 3,067-metre (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake twice.
She is survived by one son and one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends.
Currently, the title is believed to have been passed on to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka and is 116.
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