This photograph offered by Ashiya Metropolis reveals Tomiko Itooka, being celebrated for her 116th birthday on the nursing residence she lives in Ashiya, western Japan, on Could 23, 2024.
AP/Ashiya Metropolis
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AP/Ashiya Metropolis
TOKYO — Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese lady who was the world’s oldest particular person in line with Guinness World Data, has died, an Ashiya metropolis official mentioned Saturday. She was 116.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official accountable for aged insurance policies, mentioned Itooka died on Dec. 29 at a care residence in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.
Itooka, who beloved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink referred to as Calpis, was born on Could 23, 1908. She turned the oldest particular person final yr following the dying of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, in line with the Gerontology Analysis Group.
When she was advised she was on the high of the World Supercentenarian Rankings Listing, she merely replied, “Thank you.”
When Itooka celebrated her birthday final yr, she obtained flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor.
Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball participant in highschool, and lengthy had a popularity for a sprightly spirit, Nagata mentioned. She climbed the three,067-meter (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake twice.
She married at 20, and had two daughters and two sons, in line with Guinness.
Itooka managed the workplace of her husband’s textile manufacturing facility throughout World Conflict II. She lived alone in Nara after her husband died in 1979.
She is survived by one son and one daughter, and 5 grandchildren. A funeral service was held with household and pals, in line with Nagata.
In keeping with the Gerontology Analysis Group, the world’s oldest particular person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka.
