A birthday celebration planned by Tokyo officials to celebrate the 111th birthday of the city’s oldest man, Sogen Kato, was canceled when his remains were discovered in his bed.
Officials suspect Kato has been dead for about 30 years.
Since early this year, welfare officials attempting to visit Kato were chased away by his family.
Police broke into Kato’s house on Wednesday and found a mummified skeleton, dressed in underwear and pajamas in his bed.
Relatives told police that Kato entered solitary confinement 30 years ago, locking himself in his room to become a living Buddha, according to a Jiji Press report citing the BBC.
Kato’s wife has been dead for six years and the family has received $109,000 in widower’s pension. Officials are investigating the family for fraud.
Officials suspect Kato has been dead for about 30 years.
Since early this year, welfare officials attempting to visit Kato were chased away by his family.
Police broke into Kato’s house on Wednesday and found a mummified skeleton, dressed in underwear and pajamas in his bed.
Relatives told police that Kato entered solitary confinement 30 years ago, locking himself in his room to become a living Buddha, according to a Jiji Press report citing the BBC.
Kato’s wife has been dead for six years and the family has received $109,000 in widower’s pension. Officials are investigating the family for fraud.
