Japanese Police Arrest 53-Year-Old Man After Finding Mother’s Skeleton in His Home
Takehiro Hashizume allegedly kept his elderly mother’s remains in their home for about two years; he denies abandoning her body, while police investigate the circumstances of her death.
Police in Japan have arrested a 53-year-old unemployed man after discovering the skeletal remains of his elderly mother inside his home in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture.
The suspect, identified as Takehiro Hashizume, was arrested on suspicion of abandoning a corpse after officers found the remains on the ground floor of his residence on October 15, 2026.
According to Japanese media reports, investigators suspect that he had been living in the house with his mother’s remains for approximately two years.
City Officials Raised Alarm Over Missing Woman
The case came to light after the Isesaki municipal government contacted police on October 6 over concerns about an elderly woman whose whereabouts had reportedly been unknown for several years.
When officers visited Hashizume’s residence, he initially told them that his mother was in hospital.
A subsequent search of the property led to the discovery of skeletal remains in the living room.
Police believe the remains belong to Hashizume’s mother, who was reportedly in her 80s. Authorities are working to establish her identity and determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Suspect Denies Abandoning Mother’s Body
During questioning, Hashizume reportedly acknowledged that the remains belonged to his mother but made an unusual statement to investigators.
He was quoted as saying that his mother had been alive until the day police discovered her remains.
Despite the statement, he has denied the allegation of abandoning a corpse.
Police said there were no obvious external injuries on the remains. However, the cause and exact time of death have not been established.
Investigation Into Death Continues
Investigators are examining why the woman’s death was not reported and how her remains remained undiscovered for such an extended period.
Authorities have not announced a confirmed motive for the alleged concealment.
Similar cases have previously been reported in Japan, where relatives were arrested after elderly family members’ deaths went unreported for years. Such incidents have raised concerns about social isolation and the difficulties some older people face in maintaining contact with public services.
The latest case remains under investigation, and no further conclusions have been announced regarding the woman’s death.
