A zoo worker in Japan has allegedly confessed to disposing of his wife's body in an incinerator used for dead animals at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. The employee, in his 30s, reportedly told police that he abandoned his wife's remains in the incinerator and burned them for several hours outside of business hours.
Investigation Details
Authorities had been searching for the man's wife, also in her 30s, after a friend reported her disappearance late last month. When initially questioned, the man could not explain his wife's whereabouts and gave odd reasons for being unable to contact her. On April 23, he reportedly confessed to burning her body in the zoo's incinerator. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Local media reports that shortly before his wife went missing, the man allegedly told her, 'I'll burn you to ashes so nothing remains,' along with other threatening remarks.
Zoo Closure and Public Reaction
Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most popular attractions, has been closed until Friday. This comes despite preparations to welcome visitors on Wednesday for Japan's Golden Week holiday period. Hirosuke Imazu, the mayor of Asahikawa city, described the situation as an 'unprecedented crisis' during a press conference on Tuesday.
'No one could have predicted it,' Imazu said. 'I am overcome with immense anxiety, and I am facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude.' He added that the zoo had received encouraging messages from citizens nationwide, which have been a source of strength for the staff. However, concerns have been raised about potential long-term damage to the zoo's image and a drop in visitor numbers that could impact the regional economy.
Ongoing Investigation
The mayor warned that sudden closures or limited access to certain areas might be necessary as the investigation proceeds. City officials confirmed that the zoo is cooperating fully, and staff continue to care for the animals. The zoo had been closed since April 8 for maintenance ahead of the summer season.
Known for its innovative 'behavioural exhibits' that showcase natural animal behaviors, Asahiyama Zoo attracted approximately 1.33 million visitors in fiscal 2025.
