Tomiko Itooka, Oldest Person in the World, Dies at 116; Title Now Held by Brazilian Nun

Japan (The Uttam Hindu): Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world’s oldest person passed away peacefully on December 29 at the age of 116 in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Born in Osaka in 1908, she had held the title since the passing of Maria Branyas last year.

Known for her fondness for bananas and the Japanese yogurt drink Calpis Itooka humbly acknowledged her record-breaking longevity with a simple "Thank you." She led an active life, excelling in volleyball during her school years and climbing Mount Ontake twice. After her husband’s death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara, having previously managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during World War II. She is survived by her two children and five grandchildren.

The title of the world’s oldest person now passes to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born just 16 days after Itooka in 1908.