The World's Oldest Person: A Japanese Woman's Remarkable Journey

A remarkable journey ended recently with the passing of Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who held the title of the world's oldest person. She was 116 years old when she died peacefully at a care home in Ashiya, central Japan. Born in 1908, Tomiko was known for her love of bananas and a yogurt drink called Calpis. She was a sprightly spirit, climbing Mount Ontake twice and even playing volleyball in her high school days. Tomiko married at 20 and had four children, two daughters and two sons. She managed her husband's textile factory during World War II and lived alone after his death in 1979. When she was named the oldest person last year, she simply said, "Thank you. " She celebrated her birthday with flowers, cake, and a card from the mayor. Tomiko's legacy continues, as she is survived by one son, one daughter, five grandchildren, and now, the new record holder for the oldest person, a Brazilian nun named Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Tomiko.