Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the oldest living person in the world, passed away at the age of 116 in Ashiya, Japan. Her death occurred in a nursing home last Sunday, although the exact cause remains unspecified. Local media has reported that she died peacefully, due to complications associated with her advanced age. Mayor Ryosuke Takashima of Ashiya expressed condolences, reflecting on the courage and hope that Ms. Itooka embodied throughout her life.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Tomiko Yano, later known as Tomiko Itooka, witnessed remarkable changes throughout her lifetime, including Japan's evolution from an imperial power to a post-war industrial giant. During WWII, she played an integral role in managing her husband’s textile factory while raising four children. Following her husband's death in 1979, Ms. Itooka moved to Ashiya, where she continued her passion for hiking well into her 80s, often ascending the local Shinto shrine's stone steps without any assistance.
When asked about her longevity, she humorously attributed it to a diet of bananas and drinking Calpis, a popular Japanese fermented milk beverage. Ms. Itooka is survived by one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for many, highlighting resilience and the importance of family and community. The staff of the Gerontology Research Group also noted her impressive ability to manage life's challenges with grace and vigor.
