News On Japan

Suspect Admits Helping Dispose of Bodies

TOKYO, Jan 24 (News On Japan) - The man accused of helping dispose of the bodies of a couple found dead under the floor of their home in Adachi, Tokyo, has admitted to the allegations, while a Filipino woman at the center of the investigation still denies involvement.

Bryan Jefferson Dela Cruz, 34, is suspected of helping Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, a 30-year-old Philippine national already in custody, dispose of the bodies of Norihiro Takahashi, 55, and his wife Kimie, 52, on January 16.

Bloodstains found at the entrance and washroom of the house were partially matched to Dela Cruz's DNA, confirming his presence at the scene. It was also noted that Dela Cruz had been hospitalized for a hand injury the day after the alleged crime.

Dela Cruz, an acquaintance of Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, was apprehended in Ibaraki Prefecture on Monday. Investigators were led to Dela Cruz after surveillance footage showed a man disposing of blood-stained clothing alongside Morales.

Dela Cruz has reportedly admitted to the charges, telling investigators, "I helped the woman at her request."

The bodies of the couple were found on January 18, wrapped in sheets underneath their home.

Investigations have revealed that the bodies were individually wrapped in sheets underneath the first-floor floor storage, and that there were traces of bloodstains wiped in several places inside the house. A subsequent search led to the discovery of a bloodstained knife. Both victims had been stabbed in the chest from the front.

According to investigative sources, Morales was previously in a relationship with the Takahashi couple's eldest son, who had previously consulted Tokyo police claiming he had lent "several hundred thousand yen" to Morales but was not repaid.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

An elderly man in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward died on New Year’s Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning.

A draw for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, with a total prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and related prizes combined, was held in Tokyo on December 31st.

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

This year, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million, marking a record high. In Tokyo’s "Little India," there may be clues on how to build a harmonious coexistence.

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

During the first general audience in two years at the Imperial Palace, attended by over 60,000 people, the Imperial Guard arrested a 46-year-old man from Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on suspicion of defacing a restroom on the palace grounds.

A fire broke out at a temple in Fukushima City, completely destroying its wooden single-story main hall. The incident occurred on January 1st, with authorities receiving a report around 7:20 p.m. about sounds of burning coming from the temple.

A 29-year-old man and a 15-year-old high school student were arrested for dangerous driving at the famous scramble crossing in Tokyo's Shibuya district.

End-of-year shrine visits, known as "Nenmatumoude," are a growing tradition observed from mid-December until New Year’s Eve. This practice allows people to express gratitude for the past year and set intentions for the coming one. But what makes these visits particularly appealing?

Foreign tourists in Japan have exceeded 30 million this year, marking a record high. Among them, many are flocking to driver’s license centers across the country.

The year-end and New Year period often leads to an increase in garbage, but Tokyo’s landfill sites are nearing their capacity. Despite the massive amount of waste generated daily in Tokyo’s 23 wards, many residents remain unaware of its final destination.

Kuranosuke Kato is the only child in the Japanese village of Ichinono, a community that has become so depopulated that locals joke it is home to more puppets than people. Two-year-old Kato is the first child being raised in the village in two decades. (South China Morning Post)

The shadowy practices of the former Unification Church, involving Japanese female members, have come under scrutiny in recent months. From forced adoptions to missionary assignments and massive financial contributions, these practices highlight the harsh realities faced by these women.