On September 16, Japan celebrated Respect for the Aged Day, honoring its elderly citizens. This year, the occasion was marked by a visit from Guinness World Records to Tomiko Itooka, who, at 116 years and 116 days old, holds the title of the world’s oldest living person.
The official GWR certificate was presented to Tomiko at her nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, where she has lived for the past five years. Dressed in her favorite color, green, Tomiko listened as Kaoru Ishikawa read the certificate aloud, thanking him with a heartfelt “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much).
Tomiko’s son, Hiroshi Kai, expressed surprise and joy at his mother’s achievement, recalling fond memories of their outings to temples and her independent spirit. He noted that she once hiked mountains and enjoyed seaside walks alone.
Born in Osaka during the Meiji era, Tomiko became the oldest living woman and person last month after the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera. She is the eldest daughter in her family and has a rich history, including managing her husband’s textile factory during World War II and completing the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage in her eighties.
Tomiko is currently the 23rd-oldest person in recorded history and is set to move up to 21st place soon. The oldest verified person ever was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
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