TOKYO — Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who held the record for being the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died at the age of 116. Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka passed away on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.
Itooka, known for her love of bananas and yogurt-flavored drink Calpis, became the oldest person last year after Maria Branyas’ death. When she was informed of her new record, she simply thanked others. Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday with flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor.
In her life, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school and climbed Mount Ontake twice. She managed an office during World War II and lived alone after her husband’s death in 1979. Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends.
The world’s oldest person record has now been broken, with Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born 16 days after Itooka, holding the title at age 116.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/oldest-person-japan-itooka-914ce99c6f90204311251e2274ae56e8