Tomiko Itoka, who was recognized as the oldest person in the world, passed away at the age of 116 in a nursing home in the city of Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Itoka, born in May 1908, witnessed two world wars, pandemics, and many technological changes that changed the face of the world. Her long life spanned many significant periods in human history, and they are a testament to the human spirit and its ability to cope with challenges.
Itoka was born in Osaka, Japan. In her youth, she was a high school volleyball player and was known as an active and energetic woman. Later, she climbed Mount Ontaka twice, which is 3,067 meters high, an extraordinary feat by any standard. At the age of 20, she married and started a family that included two sons and two daughters.
During World War II, Itoka managed her husband's textile factory office. This role reflected her ability to cope with crises during a difficult time for all of humanity. After her husband's death in 1979, Itoka moved to live alone in the city of Nara.
Itoka was known in her old age for her love of bananas and a Japanese drink called "Kalfis", which tastes like yogurt. When she was recognized as the oldest person in the world in September 2024, after the death of María Bernías Morrera of Spain, she accepted it simply with the word: "Thank you." On the occasion of her 116th birthday, she received a special honor from the mayor of Ashia, who gave her flowers and a cake.
In her final moments, she was surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by two children and five grandchildren. Itoka's life was marked by perseverance, love for family, and an optimistic spirit.
Today, Japan leads the world in the number of its residents over the age of 100, with more than 95,000 citizens over the age of 100, of whom 88% are women. The title of the oldest person in the world was inherited by Brazilian nun Ináa Canavero Lucas, 116, who was born 16 days after Itoka.
* Bihadrei Hadarim contributed to this article.
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