Japanese Woman Becomes World's Oldest Living Person at 116

Tomiko Itooka of Japan confirmed as oldest person by Guinness
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 22, 2024 7:49 AM CDT
Japanese Woman Becomes World's Oldest Living Person at 116
This photo provided by the city of Ashiya shows Tomiko Itooka, being celebrated for her 116th birthday at the nursing home she lives in Ashiya, western Japan, on May 23, 2024.   (City of Ashiya via AP)

Tomiko Itooka of Japan has become the world's oldest living person at 116 years old. Her age was confirmed following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to Guinness World Records. The Gerontology Research Group validated Itooka's birthdate on May 23, 1908, placing her at the top of its World Supercentenarian Rankings List.

Residing in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Itooka assumed the oldest living person title after Branyas' passing was announced. Guinness affirmed Itooka's new status on Thursday. When informed of her new title, Itooka simply replied, "Thank you," mirroring her usual gratitude to nursing home caretakers.

Celebrating her birthday three months ago, Itooka received flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor. She starts each morning with Calpis, a yogurt-flavored drink, and enjoys bananas as her favorite food. Born in Osaka and a former volleyball player, she married at 20, managing her husband's textile factory during World War II. Itooka climbed the 10,000-foot Mount Ontake twice and enjoyed hiking even past her 100th birthday. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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