Japanese woman named world's oldest person

A 116-year-old Japanese woman has been named the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records, following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas in Spain earlier this week.

Tomiko Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, lives in a nursing home in the western Japanese city of Ashiya.

She was born in Osaka in the year when a long-distance radio message was sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and when the Wright Brothers made their first public flights in Europe and America.

In her 70s, Tomiko often went climbing and twice scaled Japan's 3,067-metre (10,062-ft) Mount Ontake - surprising her guide by climbing the mountain in sneakers instead of hiking boots.

At the age of 100, she walked up the lengthy stone steps of Japan's Ashiya Shrine without using a cane.

Bananas are her favourite food, and she enjoys a morning drink of Calpis, a milky, acidic beverage.

Despite being hard of hearing, Tomiko communicates clearly and regularly expresses her gratitude to her carers.

116-year-old Tomiko Itooka (b. 23 May 1908) from Japan now holds the record for oldest living woman and oldest living person. Bananas are her favourite food! 🍌https://t.co/i8EPQwgvo5

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) August 21, 2024