21-8-2024 (ASHIYA) Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old resident of Ashiya, Japan, is poised to be crowned the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records. This development comes in the wake of the passing of the previous record holder, Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, who died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117.
The Gerontology Research Group, a renowned organisation dedicated to tracking and verifying supercentenarians, announced on Wednesday that Itooka is now the prime candidate for this extraordinary title. Born on 23 May 1908 in Osaka, Itooka’s life story is a testament to resilience and longevity.
Itooka’s journey through the 20th and 21st centuries is nothing short of fascinating. The eldest of three siblings, she married in her early twenties and raised four children – two daughters and two sons. Her life took an unexpected turn during wartime when she assumed control of a textile factory in South Korea, demonstrating her adaptability and strength in challenging times.
Following the death of her husband in 1979, Itooka embarked on a new chapter in her life. She moved to Nara Prefecture in western Japan, where she developed a passion for mountain climbing. Defying age-related expectations, she twice conquered Mount Ontake, a formidable peak of approximately 3,000 metres straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
Even as she entered her centennial year, Itooka’s vigour was evident. At 100 years old, she could ascend the stone steps of Ashiya Shrine unaided. It wasn’t until 2019, when she moved into a nursing home, that she began relying on a wheelchair for mobility.
Itooka has held the title of Japan’s oldest person since December 2023, a feat in itself given Japan’s reputation for longevity. Now, as she stands on the brink of global recognition, her story serves as an inspiration to people worldwide.
The previous record holder, Maria Branyas Morera, left a lasting impression on her family and followers. “We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness,” her family shared on social media, bidding farewell to a woman who had become a symbol of resilience and wisdom in her native Catalonia.
