A husband and wife have tragically died after becoming trapped inside a private sauna in Tokyo when a fire broke out, with a police investigation revealing the emergency alarm system had been disabled for approximately two years.
Horrific Discovery in Akasaka District
Emergency services discovered the couple, Masaya Matsuda, 36, and his 37-year-old wife Yoko, collapsed on the floor near the door of the sauna room in Tokyo's Akasaka district. They were found unconscious on Monday and pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital.
Firefighters arriving at the scene reported finding the sauna room's doorknob on the floor, with the couple lying on top of each other, their heads positioned near the exit they were unable to open.
Disabled Alarm and Cause of the Fire
In a shocking disclosure to investigators, employees at the venue, Sauna Tiger, confirmed the facility's emergency alarm system had been turned off "for about two years" prior to the fatal incident. This meant the couple were unable to call for help while trapped.
An initial police investigation found the walls of the sauna room charred. Evidence suggests the fire may have started when a towel came into contact with the hot sauna stones. It is believed the towel caught fire first, before the flames spread to a wooden bench and the wall.
The man suffered burns on both shoulders and across his body, while the woman was burned on her right shoulder. An autopsy carried out on Thursday proved inconclusive on the precise cause of death, though authorities believe the couple may have succumbed to burns or hyperthermia.
Police Investigation and Industry Concerns
Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has cordoned off the area and is conducting searches of the business. They are investigating potential charges of professional negligence resulting in death.
This tragedy has cast a spotlight on the safety of Japan's booming sauna sector, which has seen a surge in popularity since the Covid-19 pandemic. The incident has prompted concerns from lawmakers about a lack of regulation, following a series of serious sauna-related incidents.
Despite the ongoing investigation, a report from Sauna Tiger's most recent inspection in 2023 detailed "no major deficiencies found in the equipment". The facility, which advertised itself as an "adult hideaway" and "completely private individual sauna", has now closed indefinitely. All existing customer bookings are being offered a full refund.
In a statement on its website, Sauna Tiger offered its "deepest condolences" and "heartfelt sympathies" to the families affected by the tragedy.
