Police in Japan have made an arrest following the tragic death of a two-year-old boy who suffocated after falling into a washing machine in his own home.
Details of a Heartbreaking Incident
Yuki Yamaguchi, a 31-year-old temporary worker from Ibaraki prefecture, was arrested on 14 January 2026 on suspicion of abandoning his responsibility for protection. The incident occurred on the morning of 27 April last year at the family's apartment in Tsuchiura, north of Tokyo.
According to police reports, the toddler climbed atop the washing machine, which was approximately 90cm high, using footholds around the appliance. He subsequently fell headfirst into the drum. The machine, which was kept in the child's bedroom, was not operating at the time.
A Critical 20-Minute Delay
Authorities believe a crucial delay contributed to the child's death. Mr Yamaguchi allegedly left his son inside the washing machine for nearly 20 minutes, between 10:00 and 10:20 am, before finally calling emergency services at around 10:29 am. In his call, he stated his son was not breathing.
The boy's mother was out at work during the incident. Mr Yamaguchi later told police he "left him there without helping him," referring to his son. The child was pronounced dead due to suffocation.
A Previous Similar Tragedy
This devastating case echoes a previous tragedy in Japan. In 2018, a five-year-old boy died in Osaka after being found unconscious inside a washer-dryer at his home. That child was also taken to hospital in cardio-respiratory arrest but could not be saved.
The arrest of Yuki Yamaguchi highlights the severe consequences of parental negligence and the hidden dangers household appliances can pose to young, curious children. The investigation by Japanese police is ongoing.
