A male employee of Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, has been arrested on suspicion of damaging his wife's body by burning it in an incinerator on the zoo premises. According to investigative sources, before his arrest the man reportedly made statements to the effect that "my wife turned to ash."
The suspect, identified as Tatsuya Suzuki, a zookeeper at the popular tourist attraction, is accused of using the zoo's industrial incinerator to dispose of his wife's remains. Authorities launched an investigation after receiving a missing person report, eventually leading to the discovery of human remains in the incinerator.
Suzuki, who had been cooperative with police during initial questioning, allegedly confessed to the act, stating that he had cremated his wife's body. The exact circumstances surrounding the woman's death remain under investigation, with autopsy results pending.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, as Suzuki was described by colleagues as a quiet and dedicated employee. Neighbors reported seeing the couple together infrequently, describing their relationship as "cold" in recent years.
Asahiyama Zoo has issued a statement expressing deep regret and promising full cooperation with the police investigation. The zoo remains open, but security measures have been heightened.