Japanese supercentenarian Tomiko Itooka, 116, verified as oldest living person

Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman, has officially become the world's oldest living person following the death of 117-year-old Spaniard Maria Branyas, according to Guinness World Records.

Itooka's age and birthdate, May 23, 1908, were verified by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), which authenticates the ages of those who live beyond 110 years. This verification places Itooka at the top of the global list of the oldest living people.

Born in Osaka, Itooka currently resides in a care home in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, where local authorities confirmed her birthdate.

During World War II, she managed her husband's textile factory office. After he died in 1979, she lived alone in Nara before moving to the care home.

Itooka celebrated her 116th birthday three months ago, receiving flowers, a cake, and a congratulatory card from the city’s mayor.

She was active in volleyball during her high school years. She married at 20 and had four children.

She enjoys a daily yogurt-flavored Calpis drink, with bananas being her favorite food.

Remarkably, despite her advanced age, Itooka climbed Mount Ontake twice, which stands at 3,067m, and continued to enjoy long walks even after turning 100.