The world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka, has passed away at the age of 116, according to an announcement from the city of Ashiya, Japan, where she resided.
Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, died on December 29, 2024, at a nursing home where she had lived since 2019. She is survived by her four children and five grandchildren.
The mayor of Ashiya, Ryosuke Takashima, expressed gratitude for the inspiration she provided during her long life. “Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her remarkable life. We thank her for it,” the 27-year-old mayor said in a statement.
A Life Spanning Over a Century
Itooka lived through significant historical events, including world wars, pandemics, and advancements in technology. As a student, she played volleyball and later enjoyed simple pleasures such as bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan.
Her longevity was recognized globally when she became the world’s oldest person following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at age 117.
Japan’s Aging Population
Japan is known for its long-living population, with over 95,000 centenarians as of September 2024, 88% of whom are women. However, the country faces a demographic crisis with nearly one-third of its 124 million citizens aged 65 or older. This aging population has placed significant strain on the nation’s healthcare and welfare systems, with fewer working-age individuals to support the growing elderly demographic.
Tomiko Itooka’s life serves as a testament to resilience and longevity, leaving a legacy of inspiration and hope for future generations.
