Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old resident of Ashiya, Japan, has been officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from Spain. The super-centenarian, who was born in Osaka City in 1908, has now assumed the prestigious title previously held by Morera, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday.
Early life and family
Tomiko was the second of three children and married at the age of 20. She went on to raise two daughters and two sons. Her early adulthood was marked by resilience and strength, particularly during World War II. While in her early 30s, Tomiko managed the Japanese office of her husband’s textile factory, all while caring for her four young children.
A life of adventure and endurance
The death of her husband in 1979 marked a challenging period for Tomiko. She lived alone in Nara Prefecture, her husband’s hometown, for a decade. Despite these hardships, Tomiko’s love for the outdoors remained undiminished. An avid climber, she tackled Japan’s legendary peaks, including Mount Nijo and Mount Ontake.
Her family attributes her extraordinary longevity to these physically demanding hikes. Remarkably, at 100 years old, Tomiko conquered the notoriously challenging Ashiya Shrine, ascending its steep path without the aid of a walking stick—a feat her family proudly cites as her greatest physical achievement.
Health scare and current life
Even in the face of adversity, Tomiko’s resilience shone through. At the end of last year, she overcame a serious health scare after contracting the flu. Today, she resides in a nursing home in Ashiya, where she has lived for the past five years. Before moving to the facility, Tomiko lived with her two daughters until the remarkable age of 110. Tomiko Itooka’s longevity has not only made her the world’s oldest woman but also the oldest living person, a title now officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
Tomiko’s new title comes in the wake of the passing of Maria Branyas Morera, the previous record holder. Morera, who lived through two world wars and two pandemics, died peacefully at the age of 117. Her family shared the news on X, stating, “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.”
Morera was known for her active presence on social media, where she connected with her 16,000 followers. In her poignant final message, she shared, “The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me. Wherever I go, I will be happy.”
Morera had claimed the title of the world’s oldest living person after French nun Lucile Randon passed away at the age of 118 in January last year. She attributed her long life to “order” and “tranquillity,” and by avoiding “toxic people.”
As Tomiko Itooka steps into her new role as the world’s oldest living person, her life serves as a testament to resilience, adventure, and the power of staying active. Her family, friends, and the world now celebrate her remarkable journey through more than a century of life.
