Tomiko Itooka (Japanese: 糸岡 富子, romanized: Itooka Tomiko, born 23 May 1908) is a Japanese supercentenarian who, at the age of 116 years, 183 days, has been the world's oldest verified living person since the death of Maria Branyas of Spain on 19 August 2024.[1][2][3] Itooka became Japan's oldest living person after Fusa Tatsumi died on 12 December 2023.[4]
Tomiko Itooka | |
|---|---|
 Tomiko Itooka celebrating her 116th birthday in May 2024 | |
| Born | 23 May 1908 (age 116 years, 183 days) |
| Known for |
|
| Spouse |
Kenji Itooka
(m. 1928; died 1979) |
| Children | 4 |
Personal life
editTomiko Itooka was born on 23 May 1908 in Osaka, Empire of Japan. She married Kenji Itooka in 1928, and during the World War II, she managed office of his textile factory. After her husband died in 1979, Itooka lived alone until 1989, when she moved in with her two daughters. During these ten years, she frequently climbed Mount Nijō, summited Mount Ontake twice (while wearing sneakers instead of hiking boots), and also participated in the Osaka 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, which was a pilgrimage to over 33 temples.[3][5] At the age of 100 in 2008, Itooka successfully climbed each step of Ashiya shrine without any assistance.[6] In 2019 at age 110, she moved to a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo.
Health and longevity
editItooka is (at the time) still able to independently move at age 116, but mainly uses a wheelchair.[7] When Guinness officially designated her as the world's oldest living person, Itooka simply remarked "thank you".[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "World's oldest person dies at 117 after surviving three wars and two global pandemics". SBS News. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ Guy, Jack (20 August 2024). "World's oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies aged 117". CNN.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ a b Atwal, Sanj (21 August 2024). "116-year-old Japanese woman confirmed as world's oldest living person". Guinness World Records. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "115-yr-old woman in western Japan becomes country's oldest person". Kyodo News. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
- ^ "The surprising hobby the world's new oldest person carried on past the age of 100". The Independent. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ NEWS, KYODO. "116-year-old Japanese in line to be named world's oldest living person". Kyodo News+. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "116-year-old Japanese in line to be named world's oldest living person". Kyodo News. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "A Japanese woman who loves bananas is now the world's oldest person". AP News. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.