Ms. Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, passed away peacefully on a Sunday within a nursing home, as confirmed by Ashiya’s mayor Ryosuke Takashima. Details surrounding her death were not disclosed, but reports indicate complications of old age. The mayor extended his deepest condolences, recognizing her as a beacon of hope and courage through her long life.
Tomiko was officially named the oldest living person by Guinness World Records in September, following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from Spain. Born as Tomiko Yano in Osaka, she was part of a family of three that operated a clothing store, during a time Japan was becoming an imperial power, having recently emerged victorious in a war against Russia.
Throughout her life, Tomiko witnessed significant changes in Japan, from its ascension as a colonial empire to its post-war recovery and emergence as a leading democracy. As a young woman, she engaged in volleyball and married Kenji Itooka, with whom she had four children. During World War II, while her husband operated a factory in Korea, Tomiko managed the family textile business and raised their children.
After losing her husband in 1979, she moved to Ashiya, where she enjoyed hiking at local shrines, reportedly still climbing steps without assistance at the age of 100. When sharing the secret to her longevity, Tomiko humorously mentioned her enjoyment of bananas and the Japanese dairy drink, Calpis. She leaves behind one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren. Her extraordinary life and spirited demeanor will be missed by many, marking the end of an era.
Tomiko was officially named the oldest living person by Guinness World Records in September, following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from Spain. Born as Tomiko Yano in Osaka, she was part of a family of three that operated a clothing store, during a time Japan was becoming an imperial power, having recently emerged victorious in a war against Russia.
Throughout her life, Tomiko witnessed significant changes in Japan, from its ascension as a colonial empire to its post-war recovery and emergence as a leading democracy. As a young woman, she engaged in volleyball and married Kenji Itooka, with whom she had four children. During World War II, while her husband operated a factory in Korea, Tomiko managed the family textile business and raised their children.
After losing her husband in 1979, she moved to Ashiya, where she enjoyed hiking at local shrines, reportedly still climbing steps without assistance at the age of 100. When sharing the secret to her longevity, Tomiko humorously mentioned her enjoyment of bananas and the Japanese dairy drink, Calpis. She leaves behind one daughter, one son, and several grandchildren. Her extraordinary life and spirited demeanor will be missed by many, marking the end of an era.
