Overview
- Police say the assault occurred at the shared residence on June 29 when the suspect allegedly used a needle and thread to stitch the victim’s upper and lower lips together.
- The injured woman escaped the next day and went to a nearby shop on June 30 where she handed a staff member a handwritten note reading “Please help me,” which prompted the police call.
- Authorities arrested 49-year-old Masae Sakurai and transferred her case to prosecutors in early July as the inquiry moves from custody to charging review.
- Medical and police reports say the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening and that she told investigators fear of the suspect kept her from fleeing earlier.
- Neighbors and acquaintances describe the house as an unusual communal living space that reportedly sheltered people who had run away, and police are questioning other residents and witnesses to establish motive and possible involvement.