A zoo worker in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, has been arrested on suspicion of disposing of his wife's body in the facility's animal incinerator, according to multiple news outlets. Suzuki Tatsuya, 33, an employee at Asahiyama Zoo, was taken into custody after investigators discovered what appeared to be human remains inside the incinerator normally reserved for deceased zoo animals, reports said. Authorities have identified the remains as belonging to his wife, Yui, also 33.
Police have not disclosed the specific charges, but local media reported that he was arrested on suspicion of abandoning a body. The investigation began after a relative of the woman reported her missing in April, police revealed. According to authorities, Tatsuya allegedly burned the body around March 31, before her disappearance was reported.
Police have disclosed that prior to her death, the suspect had threatened his wife with being completely consumed by fire. The threat was reportedly made during an altercation, although exact details have not been released. The relative who filed the missing person report was reportedly alarmed after being unable to contact Yui for several days.
Asahiyama Zoo, a popular attraction known for its penguin parade and interactive exhibits, was forced to delay its summer reopening due to the criminal investigation. The zoo had planned to open on April 29 after a maintenance closure that began April 8, but the discovery of remains in the incinerator area led to a postponement. Officials confirmed the new opening date was set for May 1.
Even with the unsettling news, a long line of eager visitors queued up outside the gates when the zoo finally opened that Friday morning. The zoo's management expressed regret over the incident and thanked the public for their continued support. Several visitors in the queue told reporters they had been aware of the incident through news reports but had decided to keep their travel plans unchanged.
Some expressed sympathy for the zoo staff and for the victim's family. According to media accounts, the zoo received several hundred messages from the public in the days following the arrest, ranging from messages of concern to words of encouragement for the employees. One visitor, a mother with children, said she trusted the zoo's safety and wanted to show her kids the animals.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is still ongoing. As of now, no motive for the killing has been determined, and police have not indicated whether any additional suspects are being sought. Many questions remain unanswered, including exactly how investigators confirmed the remains were those of Yui, and the full timeline of events leading up to her disappearance.
Legal proceedings are in the early stages, and it is unclear if the suspect has provided any statement or entered a plea. The case has attracted significant media attention in Japan, where violent crime at public facilities is rare.