Meet Tomiko Itooka, the world's oldest living person at 116 years old. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Japan, her extraordinary life has been recently confirmed by Guinness World Records.
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Tomiko Itooka assumed the title of the world’s oldest living person following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas. Guinness World Records confirmed her status, and her birthdate was validated by the Gerontology Research Group.
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Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school. She married at 20, raising two daughters and two sons while managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II.
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Itooka lived alone in Nara after her husband’s death in 1979, before moving to a nursing home in Ashiya. She climbed Mount Ontake twice and enjoyed hiking, continuing her active lifestyle even after turning 100.
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Celebrating her 116th birthday in May 2024, Itooka received flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor. Her favorite food is bananas, and she enjoys a yogurt-flavored drink called Calpis every morning.
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When informed of her new status as the world’s oldest living person, Itooka responded simply with “Thank you,” a phrase she often uses to express gratitude to her caretakers at the nursing home.
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Tomiko Itooka’s life is a testament to resilience and longevity. Her journey from managing a textile factory to becoming the world’s oldest person continues to inspire those around her.