Overview
- Sasazaki went missing while cleaning an outdoor bath at a hot spring inn in Kitakami, where police found bloodstains, animal fur, and his personal items.
- A coordinated search involving police, city officials, and a local hunters’ group located a body across the Getogawa River about 50 meters from the facility after weather briefly halted efforts.
- Searchers shot and killed an Asiatic black bear near the wooded area, which authorities believe was responsible for the attack.
- The victim was identified as the 60-year-old former referee for All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling, ZERO1, and Marigold, and tributes noted he leaves two young daughters.
- The incident comes as the environment ministry reports seven bear-related deaths since April, the highest annual tally since record-keeping began in 2006.