Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman, is on the brink of becoming the world’s oldest living person. Following the recent passing of the previous title holder, Maria Branyas Morera, Itooka is the leading candidate for this prestigious distinction.
A 116-year-old Japanese woman named Tomiko Itooka is set to be recognized as the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Born on May 23, 1908, Tomiko lives in Ashiya, a city in Japan’s Hyogo province. Her recognition comes after the previous titleholder, Maria Branyas Morera from Spain passed away at the age of 117.
Tomiko led an active life, even climbing mountains into her 70s. She scaled Japan’s Mount Ontake, which is 3,067 meters high, wearing sneakers instead of hiking boots. Remarkably, at the age of 100, she climbed the long stone steps of Ashiya Shrine without using a cane.
Tomiko was born the same year significant historical events took place, such as the Wright Brothers’ first public flights and the first long-distance radio message from the Eiffel Tower. A graduate of Osaka Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, she also played at the volleyball club. After getting married at around age 20, Tomiko has two daughters and two sons.
Throughout her life, she managed to stay active and independent. During World War II, her husband was running a textile factory in South Korea. Tomiko took charge of managing a Japanese office and raising their children. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she lived alone in her husband’s hometown in Nara province for approximately a decade.
Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Branyas’s status as the world’s oldest person in January 2023 following the death of French nun Lucile Randon aged 118. The oldest verified person to have ever lived was Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.
Tomiko’s longevity has now earned her the title of the world’s oldest living person. A recognition is expected to be made official by Guinness World Records soon.