Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman, has become the world’s oldest living person at age 116 following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas. Guinness World Records confirmed her new status after Branyas’ family announced the 117-year-old’s passing. The Gerontology Research Group, which validates the ages of individuals 110 or older, confirmed Itooka’s age and birthdate—May 23, 1908—placing her at the top of its World Supercentenarian Rankings List.
Residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, a city in Hyogo Prefecture, Itooka’s birthdate was also verified by the local authorities. She graciously acknowledged her new title with a simple, “Thank you,” a phrase she frequently shares with her caretakers.
Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday three months ago, enjoying flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor. She begins each morning with a popular yogurt-flavored drink called Calpis and favors bananas as her go-to snack.
Born in Osaka, Itooka was active as a volleyball player during her high school years. She married at the age of 20 and had two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After her husband passed away in 1979, she lived alone in Nara before eventually moving into the nursing home. Demonstrating remarkable endurance, she climbed the 10,062-foot Mount Ontake twice and continued to enjoy long hikes even after reaching 100 years of age.
