In a heartbreaking development, Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, has passed away at the remarkable age of 116. The Japanese centenarian died peacefully in a nursing home located in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, as confirmed by local officials.

Ms. Itooka's longevity was celebrated after the passing of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera, who died in August 2024 at the age of 117. This achievement brought Itooka into the world spotlight, with Ashiya's Mayor Ryosuke Takashima expressing gratitude in a heartfelt statement: "Ms. Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it."

Born in May 1908, Itooka witnessed a century of upheaval, innovation, and transformation, including two World Wars, global pandemics, and extraordinary technological advancements. Notably, she entered this world just six years before the outbreak of World War I and the debut of the iconic Ford Model T in the United States.

It was in September 2024 that her status as the world’s oldest person was officially verified, with the presentation of an official Guinness World Records certificate coinciding with Respect for the Aged Day, a cherished public holiday in Japan honoring the elderly.

Throughout her expansive life, Itooka showed a zest for adventure, playing volleyball in her youth and successfully summiting the magnificent Mount Ontake twice, which stands at an impressive 3,067 meters (10,062 feet).

In her later years, she delighted in simple pleasures such as eating bananas and drinking Calpis, a beloved milky soft drink in Japan, as noted by the mayor. At the age of 20, Itooka married, becoming a devoted mother to two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she took on the challenges of managing her husband's textile factory after he enlisted for military service. After her husband's passing in 1979, she continued to lead a fulfilling life in Nara until her final days.

Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A private funeral service was conducted, attended by family and friends who gathered to honor her remarkable life.

Japan is known for its astonishing number of centenarians, with over 95,000 people aged 100 or older as of September, of which 88% are women. Almost one-third of Japan's population, approximately 124 million, is now over the age of 65.

Currently, the title of the world’s oldest living person seems destined for Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka and is now also 116 years old. As the world mourns the loss of Tomiko Itooka, her legacy of resilience and hope serves as a beacon for generations to come.