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The Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, who was recognized as the world's oldest person by the Guinness World Records (GWR), passed away at the age of 116 in the city of Ashiya, in central Japan.
Itooka passed away on December 29 at a nursing home in that city, which is part of Hyogo Prefecture, where he had lived in recent years and received specialized care. This was reported on Saturday to the AP news agency by Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of policies for the elderly.
Itooka was born on May 23, 1908, in the city of Osaka, and became the oldest person in the world following the death of Maria Branyas, who was 117 years old, in August 2024.
Verified as the oldest person in September 2024, the Japanese individual received the official GWR certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, a holiday celebrated in the Asian country each year to honor elderly citizens.
Upon receiving the news that she topped the World Supercentenarian Ranking, the elderly woman simply replied, "Thank you," as reported by AP.
Itooka played volleyball in high school, climbed Mount Ontake twice at 3,067 meters, and enjoyed long walks even after turning 100 years old. For a long time, he had a reputation for having a lively spirit, Nagata remarked to the press.
The Japanese woman got married at 20 and gave birth to two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness World Records.
During World War II, she managed her husband's textile factory office, and after his death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara.
Itooka loved bananas and every morning she would drink a popular yogurt-flavored beverage from her country called Calpis, AP reported. At her 116th birthday celebration last year, she received flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.
He is survived by a son and a daughter, along with five grandchildren. According to the same source, a funeral service was held with family and friends.
As of September, there were more than 95,000 people aged 100 or older living in Japan, of which 88% were women, reported the BBC.
The Gerontology Research Group reported that the oldest person in the world is now the Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is 116 years old and was born 16 days after Itooka.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Longevity and Passing of Tomiko Itooka
Who was Tomiko Itooka and why is her passing significant?
Tomiko Itooka was the oldest person in the world before her passing at the age of 116. She was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-lived person following the death of Maria Branyas in 2024.
What were some of Tomiko Itooka's secrets to longevity?
Tomiko Itooka maintained an active lifestyle; she played sports like volleyball during her youth and continued to enjoy long walks even after turning 100. Moreover, she had healthy eating habits: she liked to eat bananas and drank Calpis, a popular Japanese beverage.
Who is now the oldest person in the world following the death of Tomiko Itooka?
Following the passing of Tomiko Itooka, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas is recognized as the oldest person in the world. She was born 16 days after Itooka and is currently 116 years old.
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