Inactive for a while... 20s Former Child Actor Arrested as Suspect in Corpse Mutilation Case Shocks Japan

"Testified to handling the body under orders"

Wakayama Kirato (20), a former Japanese child actor, has been apprehended by local police as a suspect in the dismemberment case of a married couple's bodies.

On the 3rd, Tokyo Sports and other outlets reported that Wakayama is suspected of dismembering the bodies of a couple in their 50s, which were found last month on the riverside in Nasumachi, Tochigi Prefecture. Three others, including a Korean man in his 20s identified as A, have also been arrested on the same charges.

During police investigations, Wakayama and A reportedly stated, "We handled the bodies under instructions" and "We received several million yen as payment."

Wakayama Kirato. [Image source=Mezamashi TV YouTube]

Earlier, on the 16th of last month, the bodies of a couple in their 50s were found burned and dismembered on the riverside in Nasumachi. The victims were a couple who operated about ten restaurants, and it is presumed that they were murdered after visiting an empty house in Tokyo on the night of the 15th and then moved to this location. The cause of death is believed to be asphyxiation, and in the wife's case, signs of a fractured hyoid bone were also found.

Local investigators believe that Wakayama and the other suspects had no prior acquaintance with the victims and are continuing the investigation with the possibility of a contract killing in mind.

Meanwhile, Wakayama was active as a child actor until 2018. He gained recognition in 2014 for playing Mankichi, the childhood version of Kuroda Kanbe portrayed by Okada Junichi, in the NHK drama "Gunshi Kanbee." He also appeared in various works such as "Nightmare-chan," "Jigoku Sensei Nube," and "Kamen Rider Wizard." However, he has not been involved in any notable projects recently.