116-Year-Old Japanese Mountaineer Set to Become World's Oldest Person

Photo : AP

Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman, is poised to be recognized as the world's oldest person, according to the Gerontology Research Group. This announcement follows the death of Maria Branyas Morera, a 117-year-old Spanish woman, earlier this week.

Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka resides in Ashiya, a city in western Japan. She is set to take on the title of the world's oldest person, a position recently vacated by Branyas Morera, who passed away in a Spanish nursing home on Monday.

Throughout her life, Itooka has demonstrated remarkable vitality and resilience. In her 70s, she was an avid mountaineer, conquering Japan’s 3,067-meter (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake on two separate occasions. Her adventurous spirit was evident when she climbed the mountain wearing sneakers rather than traditional hiking boots, which left her guide astounded.

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In addition to her climbing feats, Itooka's physical capabilities were notable even at the age of 100. She managed to ascend the long stone steps of Japan's Ashiya Shrine without the aid of a cane, showcasing her exceptional fitness and determination.

Tomiko Itooka’s life spans an era of incredible historical advancements, having been born in the same year that saw the first long-distance radio message sent from the Eiffel Tower and the Wright Brothers’ first public flights in Europe and America.

The Gerontology Research Group, which tracks longevity records, has confirmed Itooka’s status as the new world record holder, acknowledging her as a symbol of enduring vitality and active living.