In a poignant reflection of the passage of time, Tomiko Itooka, who held the title of the world's oldest person as recognized by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116. Officials from Ashiya city confirmed her death, which occurred on December 29 at a care home in Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.

Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka's life spanned over a century filled with remarkable experiences and resilience. She was a joyful individual with simple pleasures, famously enjoying bananas and a popular Japanese yogurt-flavored drink known as Calpis. After the death of Maria Branyas, who was 117, Itooka became the oldest verified living person last year, as noted by the Gerontology Research Group.

Upon learning of her status as the top-ranked supercentenarian, she responded with grace, saying, "Thank you." Last year, she celebrated her birthday surrounded by love, receiving flowers, a cake, and heartfelt greetings from the mayor of her city.

Itooka's vibrant spirit was evidenced by her active lifestyle in her youth; she was a volleyball player in high school and even summited Mount Ontake twice, a testament to her adventurous nature. She married at the young age of 20, raising two sons and two daughters while managing her late husband's textile factory during World War II.

After her husband passed away in 1979, Itooka continued to live independently in Nara until her later years. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, who cherished her deeply. A heartfelt funeral service was held to honor her legacy, attended by family and close friends.

In the wake of her passing, the title of the world's oldest living person now passes to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka. This transition marks another chapter in the narrative of supercentenarians, as we celebrate the lives and contributions of those who have lived through extraordinary eras of history.

Tomiko Itooka’s story is not just one of longevity, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Her life inspired many, proving that age is just a number when you pursue joy and connection with others.