Respect for the Aged Day: Honoring the World's Oldest Living Person
Japan's annual Respect for the Aged Day, celebrated on September 16, honored Tomiko Itooka, the world's oldest living person. The Guinness World Records marked this special occasion with a visit to Tomiko, currently aged 116 years and 116 days, at the nursing home in Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, where she has lived for the past five years.
Tomiko Itooka, who became the world's oldest person following the death of the 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera, was presented with an official GWR certificate by Kaoru Ishikawa, a Guinness representative. Wearing her favorite color, green, Tomiko expressed her gratitude, accompanied by her son Hiroshi Kai, who fondly recalled their shared memories of visiting temples and Mount Ontake. He marveled at his mother’s long life and unexpected record-breaking status.
Born in Osaka on May 23, 1908, during Emperor Meiji's reign, Tomiko had an active life. After attending an all-girls high school where she played volleyball, she married at 20 and worked with her husband at his textile factory while raising their children. Remarkably, her independent lifestyle continued after her husband died in 1979. Even into her eighties and beyond, she completed pilgrimages to 33 temples and climbed mountains like Mount Nijo and Mount Ontake.
Tomiko's enduring spirit was evident when she ascended the steps of Ashiya Shrine unaided even at age 100. Guinness World Records also noted her rankings in the list of oldest humans ever, currently 23rd, expected to rise to 21st soon. The oldest verified person remains Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
Respect for the Aged Day honored a lifetime of resilience and independence embodied by Tomiko Itooka, illustrating the profound respect for elderly citizens in Japan. Her longevity story continues to inspire, governed by her favorite motto, "arigato gozaimasu" (thank you very much).
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