Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who recently turned 116 years old, is set to be named by the Guinness World Records as the oldest person in the world. This comes after the previous record holder, 117-year-old Spanish woman Maria Branyas Morera, passed away on Monday in a care home in Spain. Itooka, who is passionate about mountaineering, lives in the city of Ashiya in the Hyogo prefecture and is the eldest of three siblings. She was born in Osaka on May 23, 1908, the same year that saw the first long-distance radio transmission from the Eiffel Tower and the Wright brothers’ first demonstration flights in Europe and America.
Itooka got married at the age of 20 and is a mother of two daughters and two sons. During the war, she took over the management of a textile factory in South Korea in place of her husband. After her husband passed away in 1979, she lived alone in the Nara prefecture, where she took up mountaineering as a hobby. Even at the age of 70, she managed to climb Mount Ontake, a mountain over 3,000 meters tall located between the Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan. Until the age of 100, she was able to climb the steps of the Ashiya shrine without the use of a cane, but since 2019 she has been in a nursing home and relies on a wheelchair to move around.
Itooka’s remarkable life and achievements have garnered attention and admiration from around the world. Her dedication to mountaineering and her ability to continue pursuing her passion well into old age serve as an inspiration to many. The news of her being named the world’s oldest person by the Guinness World Records is a testament to her longevity and resilience. Despite facing hardships and personal loss, Itooka has remained strong and independent, living life on her own terms and never giving up on her dreams and interests.
As the oldest person in the world, Itooka’s story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance, passion, and a positive outlook on life. Her adventurous spirit and determination to overcome challenges have made her a role model for people of all ages. Through her love for mountaineering and her unwavering spirit, she has shown that age is just a number and that one’s age should not limit their ability to pursue their interests and goals. Her journey serves as a powerful example of how a strong will and a positive attitude can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life, regardless of one’s age or circumstances.
Itooka’s resilience and determination to continue climbing mountains and living life to the fullest even in her old age is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Her story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions and dreams, and that age should not be a barrier to living life to the fullest. Her positive attitude and adventurous spirit have inspired many, and her achievements will continue to leave a lasting impact on those who hear her story. As she is officially recognized as the world’s oldest person, Tomiko Itooka’s legacy will live on as a symbol of strength, courage, and the limitless possibilities that come with embracing life with open arms.
