Throughout her extraordinary journey, Itooka experienced two world wars, various pandemics, and significant technological progressions. An active and engaged individual, she played volleyball as a student and even tackled the challenging Mount Ontake twice. In her later years, Itooka found joy in simple pleasures like bananas and Calpis, a popular Japanese soft drink.
At the age of 20, she married and later raised two daughters and two sons while managing her husband’s textile business during World War II. After her husband's death in 1979, she continued to live independently in Nara until her passing. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Following her death, a funeral service was held with close family and friends.
Japan is home to over 95,000 centenarians, the majority of whom are women. Now, with the passing of Itooka, the title of the world’s oldest person likely passes to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days later. Meanwhile, the nation of Japan continues to see a rising number of individuals reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years or older.
At the age of 20, she married and later raised two daughters and two sons while managing her husband’s textile business during World War II. After her husband's death in 1979, she continued to live independently in Nara until her passing. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Following her death, a funeral service was held with close family and friends.
Japan is home to over 95,000 centenarians, the majority of whom are women. Now, with the passing of Itooka, the title of the world’s oldest person likely passes to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days later. Meanwhile, the nation of Japan continues to see a rising number of individuals reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years or older.
