Asian Mail
To commemorate Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese public holiday honoring elderly citizens, Guinness World Records presented Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest living person, with an official certificate.
Born on May 23, 1908, Tomiko, 116 years and 116 days old, received the certificate at her nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, where she has resided for five years. Accompanied by her son Hiroshi Kai, Tomiko expressed gratitude saying “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much).
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Hiroshi shared fond memories of visiting temples with his mother, who enjoyed hiking and independent activities. Tomiko took the titles of oldest living woman and person after Maria Branyas Morera’s passing last month.
Tomiko’s remarkable life is a testament to her resilience and spirit. Born in Osaka during Emperor Meiji’s reign, she grew up as the middle child and eldest daughter. She married at 20 and had two daughters and two sons, and later became a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. During World War II, Tomiko managed the office of her husband’s textile factory while caring for their children. In her later years, she discovered a passion for hiking and climbing, conquering Mount Nijo and Mount Ontake multiple times. A devout Buddhist, Tomiko completed the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a journey to 33 temples in the Kansai region, in her eighties. Even at 100, she remained energetic, climbing the stone steps of Ashiya Shrine without assistance.
Currently, Tomiko ranks 23rd in recorded history and will move to 21st in two weeks. The oldest person authenticated remains Jeanne Calment (France), who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
(Courtesy Guinness World Records)
