Police arrested Toshihiko Matsukura on 10/1, charging him with concealing a woman's body behind a wall at the bar he operated. The establishment is on the second floor of a building in Hidaka, Hokkaido province.

The bar is located on the second floor of a building in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Photo: Japan News

The victim's grandmother reported her missing on 1/1 after she failed to return home on New Year's Eve, 31/12/2025.

Authorities launched an investigation, identifying Matsukura as a suspect. His bar was closed on 31/12 and reopened on 2/1.

Matsukura was questioned on 3/1 and revealed the location of the body on 10/1.

According to police, the fully clothed body was discovered on the morning of 10/1 in a tatami mat-sized crevice behind a storage room wall, which had been sealed with wooden boards. An autopsy revealed the woman, around 20 years old, had been strangled to death approximately 10 days prior.

Police stated that Matsukura admitted to the charges and knew the victim.

After his arrest, Matsukura was transferred to prosecutors on the morning of 11/1 on charges of concealing a body. Police continue to investigate for potential murder charges.