A Long Life Ends in Ashiya
Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world’s oldest living individual, passed away at the age of 116 in Ashiya, Japan. The announcement was made by the city officials on Saturday.
Life and Legacy of Itooka
Itooka had been living in a nursing home in Ashiya since 2019, where she passed away on December 29. Born in Osaka on May 23, 1908, she outlived many historical events, including world wars and major pandemics, witnessing significant technological advancements. She was one of three siblings and left behind four children and five grandchildren.
Acknowledgment from Local Leadership
Ashiya’s mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, aged 27, expressed gratitude for Itooka’s life, stating, “Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life. We thank her for it.”
Personal Interests and Cultural Insights
In her youth, Itooka was an active volleyball player. Later in life, she favored bananas and the traditional Japanese drink Calpis. Her life story reflects Japan’s cultural longevity, especially among women, which contrasts with the country’s ongoing demographic challenges.
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Japan’s Demographic Challenges
Japan continues to grapple with an aging population, with over 95,000 centenarians, predominantly women, as of September. This demographic shift is intensifying the strain on the nation’s healthcare and welfare systems, while the labor force shrinks, posing significant societal and economic challenges as nearly one-third of Japan’s 124 million people are aged 65 or older.
