Who is Tomiko Itooka? World's oldest woman from Japan shares what she drinks 'every morning'

Tomiko Itooka is a 116-year-old Japanese woman, who has now become the world’s oldest living person after the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from Spain on 19^th August 2024. Guinness confirmed her new status as the world’s oldest living person on 22^nd August.

Tomiko was born on May 23^rd 1908 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Her age and birthdate were checked and confirmed by the Gerontology Research Group. Currently, she lives in a nursing home located in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

When Itooka was informed about her status of being the world’s oldest person, she replied with a ‘Thank You’. Her caretakers shared that Tomiko communicates clearly and always expresses her gratitude towards them.

Who is Tomiko Itooka?

Itooka was born and brought up in Osaka as the second of three siblings. She studied in a girls’ school, now known as Osaka Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School. She was a volleyball player in her high school. At the age of 20, She got married to Kenji Itooka in 1928. At the age of 21, she gave birth to her eldest daughter. They had 4 children (two daughters and two sons). Her husband passed away in 1979.

After her husband’s death, she lived alone for 10 years. During these years, she climbed Mount Nijo and summited 3000-metre-high Mount Ontake twice. She surprised her guide by climbing the mountains in ordinary sneakers instead of hiking boots. Tomiko had also participated in 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. According to her family, hiking is the secret of her longevity.

 In 1989, she moved in with her two daughters. During World War II, Tomiko took over and managed her husband’s textile factory which was located in South Korea, although she stayed in Japan.

Three months ago, Tomiko celebrated her 116^th birthday. She received flowers, a card from the city’s mayor, and a cake (which she confessed to not like!). Bananas are her favorite food and she drinks Calpis, “a milky acidic drink” every morning.

She is Japan’s oldest living person after the death of Fusa Tatsumi on 12^th September 2023.  Currently, she is a supercentenarian and also the 24^th oldest person in recorded history.