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Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world’s oldest living person, has passed away at the age of 116. Her death, which occurred on December 29, was confirmed by the city of Ashiya, where she had resided for the past few years. Itooka’s life spanned over a century of profound historical, social, and technological change, and she leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire many.
A Life that Spanned Over a Century: From Osaka to Ashiya
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka—Japan’s bustling commercial hub—Itooka experienced a world vastly different from the one we know today. Her birth occurred just months before the Ford Model T revolutionized the global automobile industry. Over the course of her long life, Itooka bore witness to world-changing events such as the two World Wars, the Great Depression, pandemics, and dramatic technological advancements, including the arrival of the internet, mobile phones, and space exploration. Her life encapsulated the full range of human history, from early 20th-century innovations to the rapid technological revolutions of the late 20th and 21st centuries.
In her later years, Itooka lived in Ashiya, a peaceful city located near Osaka, where she became a symbol of longevity and resilience. Since 2019, she had resided in a local nursing home, where she continued to inspire those around her. Itooka’s presence brought comfort, hope, and courage to those who met her. Her family, including four children and five grandchildren, was a central part of her life.
Her Long and Eventful Life: A Symbol of Endurance
Throughout her life, Itooka remained active and engaged with the world around her. As a young woman, she was known for her athleticism, and she even played volleyball during her school years. Despite the various challenges she faced, including the ravages of war and the early years of Japan’s post-war recovery, Itooka’s vitality and determination remained unshaken.
As an older adult, she continued to embrace life with enthusiasm. Itooka enjoyed simple pleasures, including her fondness for bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan. Her enjoyment of life’s small pleasures became a hallmark of her later years and was a source of inspiration for those who knew her.
While Japan has long been known for its high life expectancy, Itooka’s passing is a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the country’s aging population. Japan faces a demographic crisis, with an increasing number of elderly citizens and a shrinking workforce to support them. This imbalance places significant strain on Japan’s medical and welfare systems, and the nation is grappling with how to address these issues in the coming decades.
A Legacy of Longevity in Japan
Itooka’s passing also brings attention to Japan’s significant population of centenarians. As of September 2024, more than 95,000 people in Japan were 100 years old or older, with women making up 88% of this group. This remarkable longevity has been attributed to various factors, including Japan’s diet, healthcare system, and social structure.
Itooka’s death also signals the end of an era. Following the death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024, Itooka was recognized as the world’s oldest living person. The record now remains unclaimed, as it is unlikely for someone else to quickly fill the void left by these exceptional individuals.
Japan Faces Growing Demographic Challenges
While Japan’s longevity record is a point of pride, it also highlights the country’s looming demographic challenges. Nearly a third of Japan’s population is now aged 65 or older, creating a growing concern about the ability of the country’s shrinking workforce to support an increasingly elderly population. Japan’s elderly population requires significant resources for healthcare, welfare, and pensions, putting pressure on the nation’s economic stability.
Despite these challenges, Japan continues to be a world leader in terms of life expectancy, and the country’s elders, including figures like Itooka, serve as reminders of the resilience and potential of human life. The passing of Tomiko Itooka, while a poignant moment, also offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in healthcare and longevity while acknowledging the pressing need for solutions to address the future needs of an aging population.
