At 116 years old, Tomiko Itooka from Japan has been named the world’s oldest living person, following the passing of 117-year-old Spanish woman Maria Branyas Morera earlier this week, according to Guinness World Records.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Tomiko has lived an active and remarkable life.
Even at the age of 100, she was still scaling mountains without the aid of a walking stick—a testament to her enduring strength and determination.
Among her most impressive feats was climbing the Ashiya Shrine, known for its challenging terrain, after her 100th birthday.
She has also conquered the legendary Mount Ontake, a peak towering over 10,000 feet.
Tomiko’s family attributes her extraordinary longevity to her active lifestyle, which included decades of mountain climbing and a daily ritual of enjoying Calpis, a popular yogurt-flavored drink in Japan.
Her love for bananas is also a noted part of her diet.
Currently residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Tomiko’s life has been one of resilience and dedication.
She was a volleyball player in high school and later managed her husband’s textile factory office during World War II while raising their four children—two daughters and two sons.
After her husband passed away in 1979, Tomiko lived alone in Nara before moving to the nursing home.
Upon learning that she had become the world’s oldest person, Tomiko simply responded, “Thank you,” a phrase that those around her often hear, reflecting her gracious and humble nature. She recently celebrated her 116th birthday with a visit from the mayor, who presented her with flowers, a cake, and a card.
Tomiko’s predecessor, Maria Branyas Morera, was also known for her remarkable life, which spanned two world wars and a plague epidemic. Born in the United States, Branyas spent her last two decades at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain, where she celebrated her 117th birthday in March.
Despite her advanced age, Maria remained mentally and physically active until her final days, when she expressed feeling “weak” in a poignant message shared on social media.
“The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me,” she said, leaving behind words of comfort for her followers. Her family announced her peaceful passing on Tuesday, stating, “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain… We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”
Maria had been recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon at 118 years old.
However, the record for the longest lifespan ever recorded still belongs to Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who lived 122 years and 164 days.
