A young couple has tragically died after a fire broke out in a private sauna room in Tokyo, with a police investigation now focusing on a potentially faulty door handle and a disabled fire alarm system.
Couple Found After Alarm Sounds
The victims, identified as Masanari Matsuda and Yoko Matsuda, were discovered collapsed inside a room at the Sauna Tiger facility in the city's Akasaka district. The discovery was made on Friday 19 December 2025, after a fire alarm outside their specific unit was triggered.
Key Safety Failures Under Scrutiny
Initial evidence points to multiple, catastrophic safety failures. Police are examining whether a broken door handle found on the floor prevented the couple from escaping the blaze.
Furthermore, in a deeply concerning development, the fire alarm control panel in the building's operation office was reportedly turned off. This suggests the alarms within the sauna units may not have been functioning at the time of the fire.
Officers also found the plastic cover of an emergency button inside the couple's room had been broken, indicating they had desperately tried to alert staff to the danger before they were overcome.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Questions
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the fire and the full sequence of events that led to the couple's deaths. The case has immediately raised urgent questions about fire safety regulations and enforcement in private leisure facilities, both in Japan and internationally.
The tragic deaths of Masanari and Yoko Matsuda underscore the vital importance of maintained safety equipment and clear emergency protocols in all commercial premises.
