A couple died after a fire trapped them inside a private sauna room in Tokyo. The victims were Yoko Matsuda, thirty-seven, and her husband, Masanari, thirty-six. The incident occurred at a facility called Sauna Tiger in the Akasaka district.
Investigators found the room's doorknob had broken off, preventing escape. They also discovered the emergency alarm system inside the sauna had been intentionally turned off for approximately two years, with evidence suggesting the couple tried to activate it. A burned towel near hot stones is considered a possible cause of the fire. Facility staff admitted the alarm had not been operational since the prior year. The business stated it is cooperating with authorities and will remain closed. This tragedy has amplified existing concerns about safety regulations within Japan's growing sauna industry.
Investigators found the room's doorknob had broken off, preventing escape. They also discovered the emergency alarm system inside the sauna had been intentionally turned off for approximately two years, with evidence suggesting the couple tried to activate it. A burned towel near hot stones is considered a possible cause of the fire. Facility staff admitted the alarm had not been operational since the prior year. The business stated it is cooperating with authorities and will remain closed. This tragedy has amplified existing concerns about safety regulations within Japan's growing sauna industry.
