Tomiko Atoka, a Japanese woman who was the world's oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died, an official in the city of Ashiya said on Saturday. She was 116 years old.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of policies for the elderly, said Ituka died on December 29 at a care home in Asia in central Japan's Hugo Prefecture.
Atoka, who loved kelpase, a Japanese drink flavored with banana and yogurt, was born on May 23, 1908. She became the oldest person last year after the death of 117-year-old Maria Branias, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
When told he topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings, he simply replied, “Thank you.”
When Atoka celebrated her birthday last year, she received flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor.
Born in Osaka, Atoka was a high school volleyball player, and had long had a reputation for a bright spirit, Nagata said. He summited the 3,067 m (10,062 ft) Mount Ontake twice.
He married at age 20, and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness.
Get breaking national news.
For breaking news that affects Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
Etoka managed her husband's textile factory office during World War II. After the death of her husband in 1979, she lived alone in Nara.
He is survived by a son and a daughter and five grandchildren. According to Nagata, the funeral was held with family and friends.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world's oldest person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itoca.
© 2025 Canadian Press