Guinness World Records Recognizes 116-Year-Old Japanese Woman As World Oldest Living Person

Guinness World Records Recognizes 116-Year-Old Japanese Woman As World Oldest Living Person

Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially recognized 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka as the world’s oldest living person, following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera. The announcement was made in a statement on the GWR website on Wednesday.

Tomiko, who was born on May 23, 1908, now holds the title of the oldest living woman and the oldest living person in the world. Her age has been validated by the Gerontology Research Group, led by Robert D. Young, and confirmed by a representative of Guinness World Records.

Currently residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, Tomiko has been living there since 2019, after spending many years at home with her two daughters until the age of 110. Despite her advanced age, she remains communicative, although she is hard of hearing, and often expresses gratitude to her carers. Tomiko’s favorite foods include bananas, and she enjoys drinking Calpis, a popular milky, acidic beverage in Japan, every morning.

Tomiko celebrated her 116th birthday three months ago, receiving flowers, a cake, and a special card from the city’s mayor. With her new title, Tomiko has also become the 24th oldest person in recorded history, as noted by GWR.

Her recognition comes after the recent passing of Maria Branyas Morera, who had been the world’s oldest living person until she died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117. Tomiko has also been the oldest living person in Japan and all of Asia since December 2023, following the death of Fusa Tatsumi, who was also 116 years old.

The oldest person ever authenticated remains Jeanne Calment from France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.