Ashiya, Japan – The world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman, has passed away at the age of 116, the city of Ashiya announced on Saturday.
Itooka, who had four children and five grandchildren, died on December 29, 2024, at a nursing home where she had lived since 2019. She was born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, near Ashiya, just months before the Ford Model T debuted in the United States.
Her death came less than five months after she was recognised as the world’s oldest person, following the passing of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at the age of 117.
Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, praised Itooka’s remarkable life, stating, “Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it.”
Itooka was one of three siblings and lived through significant historical events, including two world wars, pandemics, and groundbreaking technological advancements. As a student, she played volleyball, and in her later years, she enjoyed bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan, according to the mayor’s statement.
Japan, known for the longevity of its population, is grappling with a demographic crisis as its ageing population continues to grow. As of September, the country recorded over 95,000 centenarians, with women accounting for 88% of the total.
Nearly a third of Japan’s 124 million citizens are aged 65 or older, leading to rising medical and welfare costs amid a shrinking labour force.
Itooka’s life was a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many.