World’s Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Dies at 116

The Japanese supercentenarian, celebrated for her resilience and longevity, passed away in Ashiya, Japan, on December 29, 2024.

Tomiko Itooka, born in 1908 in Osaka, Japan, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person in September 2024.
She passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, where she had lived since 2019.
A mother of four and grandmother of five, she was known for her lively spirit, love of bananas, and the Japanese drink Calpis.
Itooka lived through significant historical events, including world wars and technological revolutions, and remained active into her later years, even climbing Mount Ontake twice.
The title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is also 116 years old but born 16 days after Itooka.