Overview

• Tokyo Metropolitan Police disclosed on Aug. 26 that a 68-year-old’s body was mistakenly released to a funeral firm from Tama Central Police Station and later cremated.
• Two patrol officers in their 30s tried on July 25 to transfer an unclaimed 65-year-old’s remains but handed over the 68-year-old instead.
• The mistake surfaced on Aug. 23 during procedures to return the 68-year-old’s body to relatives, who ultimately were unable to view or receive it.
• Required confirmation of wristbands and labeled sheets was not performed, and a supervisory investigator who should attend such handovers was absent.
• The station chief apologized to the bereaved family, and the Metropolitan Police said they will review procedures and consider discipline for the officers involved.