The World's Oldest Person: A Remarkable Life Comes to an End

In Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, the world's oldest person has said her final goodbye. Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman from Osaka, passed away at the age of 116 in a care home. Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka led a life full of activity and spirit. She loved bananas and a yogurt drink called Calpis, and even climbed Mount Ontake twice in her youth. When she was named the world's oldest person, she simply expressed gratitude. She celebrated her last birthday with flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor. Itooka was a volleyball player in high school, managed her husband's textile factory during WWII, and lived alone in Nara after her husband's death. Her legacy continues with one son, one daughter, five grandchildren, and a lot of great memories. The current oldest person is a 116-year-old Brazilian nun, who was born only 16 days after Itooka.