World's Oldest Person Tomiko Itooka Dies at 116

Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records, passed away at the age of 116 on December 29, 2024, in a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, she became the oldest verified living person in August 2023, following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas. Itooka was known for her active lifestyle, which included playing volleyball in high school and climbing Mount Ontake twice, and she attributed her longevity to her vibrant spirit and love for life. After her husband's death in 1979, she lived independently until her later years, raising two daughters and two sons. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. The title of the world's oldest person now belongs to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.