Authorities in Yao City, Osaka, have arrested Kiyokazu Iimori, 41, for abandoning the body of what is believed to be his niece, encased in concrete. The discovery was made on March 2, 2025, when police were alerted to the suspicious contents of a metal clothing case at Iimori’s residence. The judicial autopsy performed on the remains indicates they belonged to a girl aged approximately 6 to 7 years, likely deceased around eighteen years ago.
According to police reports, Iimori confessed, stating, "I hit my sister's daughter because she wouldn’t listen to me, and the next morning, she was cold." These chilling words have brought to light the tragic circumstances surrounding the child's demise. Following the incident, Iimori reportedly consulted with his father, who suggested encasing the remains to conceal the evidence.
The investigation revealed how Iimori had been living with his mother when he took custody of his sister’s daughter after her mother went missing. Reports from the investigation suggest Iimori’s sister was originally living with their elderly father but, after he could no longer care for the child, Iimori assumed responsibility. It was during this period, several years prior, when the discipline escalated fatally.
The body was discovered at Iimori's apartment, where it had been hidden for nearly two decades. It was placed inside the metal clothing case, which measured approximately 88 centimeters wide, 45 centimeters deep, and 35 centimeters high. Investigators noted the remains were not entirely skeletonized, allowing doctors to inspect the anatomy and ascertain trauma—specifically, severe damage to the abdomen, which they believe points to cause of death.
"The height of the body is estimated at 109.5 centimeters and believed to be from 18 years ago," reported by TBS News. The police are attempting to confirm the identity of the child through additional examinations and are exploring potential charges of homicide or bodily harm against Iimori.
On March 3, authorities conducted the autopsy, which established the girl's age and suggested she died due to blunt force trauma inflicted upon her abdomen, likely leading to internal bleeding and her subsequent death. This grim finding places significant pressure on the investigators to fully understand the dynamics of the household and the events leading up to her death.
Iimori's admission of guilt places him not only at the center of the investigation but raises broader social questions. The interactions between family members—especially within vulnerable communities—often go unnoticed until tragedies occur, highlighting prevention roles and family dynamics.
The police maintain their focus on corroboration of Iimori's statements, as they piece together the timeline of events leading to this shocking outcome. Iimori had reportedly moved the child's body from his father's residence—which he shared with her before the traumatic incident—to his current apartment when his father relocated to a welfare facility.
The Osaka Prefectural Police stated they are treating the investigation with the utmost seriousness and are verifying every aspect of the case, including examining the backgrounds of both Iimori and his family. Authorities are committed to keeping the community informed as the situation develops.
The heinousness of this crime has left the local community reeling. Residents express shock and dismay at the reported events, with many calling for more support systems for families, especially those dealing with stress and instability. Activists and community leaders have emphasized the need for heightened awareness of domestic issues and the necessary interventions required to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
With significant efforts focused on concluding this investigation, the community is left to grapple with the haunting memory of what has transpired. The case has sparked discussions on child welfare and familial responsibility, serving as a reminder of the often-hidden dangers present within families.