Japan is urgently investigating the case of a 38-year-old Taiwanese woman who died in a hotel room near Mount Fuji after being stabbed in the neck. Police arrested a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman from the same tour group, found at the scene with a 12 cm knife.
A Taiwanese female tourist was found dead inside a hotel in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, near Mount Fuji, on the morning of 19 Oct 2026 local time. Police arrested a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman at the scene on charges of illegal possession of a bladed weapon while investigators continue to probe the cause of death and the suspect's involvement.
Japanese news agencies reported that at about 08:00 on 19 Oct 2026, hotel staff alerted authorities after finding a woman unconscious on a bed in a hotel room. Upon inspection, officials found the woman was deceased, with blood and wounds on her body.
On 20 Oct, police identified the deceased as a 38-year-old Taiwanese woman. Preliminary autopsy results showed she had stab wounds to the neck and died from severe blood loss.
27-year-old woman arrested, knife found at scene
During the investigation, police arrested a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman surnamed Yang, who was at the scene with a knife approximately 12 cm long. She was charged with violating Japan's laws controlling possession of firearms and swords for possessing a bladed weapon without valid reason.
Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported that the suspect admitted to possessing the knife. However, the arrest pertains to illegal possession of a bladed weapon and does not confirm she committed the killing.
Authorities are examining whether the knife is connected to the death, investigating the relationship between the two women, and the events before and after the body was found to resolve the case.
Taiwan's tourism office confirmed both women were members of a tour group traveling in Japan. Investigations revealed they registered for the tour separately and were not originally part of the same group.
Suspicion arose when the deceased woman failed to appear at the tour group's scheduled meeting time. Hotel staff checked her room and found her dead inside.
The travel company reported the emergency to Taiwan's tourism office and coordinated with Japanese police to provide necessary information for the investigation. They also contacted the deceased's family in Taiwan to assist with travel to Japan and manage post-incident matters.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on 20 Oct that they have contacted the family of the Taiwanese individual involved and stand ready to provide assistance as needed. Further details remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.
Taiwan's tourism office said all tour members have travel insurance covering accidental death up to 2.5 million Taiwanese dollars and medical expenses of 200,000 Taiwanese dollars. The travel company was urged to care for remaining members and fully cooperate with authorities.
Yamanashi Prefectural Police continue investigating the facts surrounding the female tourist's death, including any connection between the deceased and suspect. No official conclusions have been made regarding who committed the act or possible motives behind the incident.
Source:Japantoday
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