TOMIKO Itooka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman celebrated as the world’s oldest person, passed away from natural causes on December 29, local authorities announced on Saturday.
Itooka had been living in a nursing home for the elderly in Ashiya, a city in Hyogo Prefecture, where she peacefully spent her final years, the city government confirmed.
Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka ascended to the title of Japan’s oldest living person in December 2023, following the passing of 116-year-old Fusa Tatsumi from Kashiwara in neighboring Osaka Prefecture.
Her global recognition came in September 2024 when Guinness World Records officially named her the world’s oldest living person, succeeding 117-year-old Maria Branyas of Spain.
Itooka’s remarkable longevity and quiet life reflect Japan’s status as one of the nations with the highest life expectancies. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life spanning over a century.
