World’s Oldest Banana-Loving Mountaineer, Tomiko Itooka, Passes Away at 116!
Tomiko Itooka, the woman who single-handedly held the record for “the longest life fueled by a love for bananas,” has passed away at the age of 116. Officially recognized last year by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, she died peacefully on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture—possibly with a banana in hand and a calm smile on her face.
Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka arrived in the world when the Ford Model T was first introduced and nobody even knew what a car was! As a teenager, she played volleyball and had an unusual passion for mountain climbing. According to Japanese officials, she climbed the 3,067-meter Mount Ontaketwice. (Imagine climbing mountains at her age, while the rest of us complain about taking the stairs!)
A Life of Bananas and Calpis
Itooka lived a simple yet extraordinary life. She loved bananas and adored a Japanese yogurt-based drink called “Calpis.” Perhaps her secret to longevity was this magical combination! When she was told last year that she had become the oldest person alive, her only response was, “Thank you.” (Really, what more could she say?)
A Long Life, A Quiet Goodbye
At 20, Itooka married and ran her husband’s textile factory office during World War II. When her husband died in 1979, she lived by herself in Nara, “living life on her own terms,” she was quoted as saying.
She is survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends in attendance. The title of the world’s oldest person now passes to Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who is also 116 years old but was born 16 days after Itooka. (The long-life competition continues!)
Source: The Guardian
