Japanese doctor arrested over alleged dismemberment and dumping of wife’s body

Hyogo, Japan, October 2, 2026 — Hyogo Prefectural Police have arrested a 46-year-old doctor from Nishinomiya on suspicion of dismembering his wife’s body and abandoning the remains in a river in 2025.

The suspect, Kenji Shimomura, has admitted to the allegation, police said. He was quoted as telling investigators, “I did it all by myself,” according to Kansai TV.

Police allege that between August 14 and late August 2025, Shimomura severed the head and limbs of his wife, Mami, who was 41 at the time, at their home in Amagasaki City. He allegedly later disposed of the body parts in the Kanzaki River, which runs through the city.

On September 24, 2025, Shimomura reported his wife missing, telling police that she had left their home following an argument and that he had not heard from her since.

Police launched a search but initially found no trace of her. According to police, Shimomura later admitted his involvement during voluntary questioning that began in August this year.

Investigators said Shimomura told them he dismembered the body in the bathroom of the home where the couple lived, placed the remains in a bag, transported them by car and dumped them in the river.

When police searched the Kanzaki River in mid-September, they found multiple human bones scattered across an area of approximately 200 meters.

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and disposal of the body.