Guinness World Records has officially named 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka from Japan as the world’s oldest living person. This recognition comes following the recent passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Guinness World Records confirmed that Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, is now both the oldest living woman and the oldest living person globally. She is the 24th oldest person ever recorded in history.
Tomiko, who resides in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, has lived there since 2019. Before moving to the nursing home, she lived at home with her two daughters until the age of 110. Despite some hearing difficulties, Tomiko can still communicate clearly and often expresses gratitude to her caregivers.
On her 116th birthday, Tomiko celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a card from the city’s mayor. Her caregivers noted that she enjoys eating bananas and drinks Calpis, a popular milky, acidic beverage, every morning.
Tomiko became Japan’s oldest living person and the oldest in Asia overall in December 2023, following the death of 116-year-old Fusa Tatsumi.
The previous record-holder, Maria Branyas Morera, who was born in the United States and lived through two world wars, passed away at the age of 117. According to her family, she died peacefully in her sleep.
The oldest person ever authenticated remains Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.
