World's Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116

Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116. The announcement was made by a city official from Ashiya, Japan, where she resided.

Itooka died on December 29 at a care facility in Ashiya, located in Hyogo Prefecture. Born on May 23, 1908, she ascended to the title of the oldest living person following the death of Maria Branyas, who was 117 at the time of her passing. According to the Gerontology Research Group, Itooka's longevity was celebrated last year when she received flowers and a cake from the mayor during her 116th birthday.

Throughout her life, Itooka was known for her vibrant spirit and fondness for bananas and a yogurt-flavored beverage called Calpis. She was born in Osaka and was an active volleyball player during her high school years. Her adventurous nature was exemplified by her two climbs of Mount Ontake, which towers at 3,067 meters (10,062 feet).

At the age of 20, Itooka married and raised a family of two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed her husband's textile factory. After her husband's passing in 1979, she continued to live independently in Nara.

She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held for her in the company of family and friends. Following her death, the title of the world's oldest living person has now been passed to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka.