Japanese Woman Escapes Home With Lips Sewn Shut, Seeks Help

A shocking incident has emerged in Japan where a woman, with her lips forcibly sewn shut, managed to escape her home and seek assistance. Police in Ibaraki Prefecture arrested 49-year-old Masaye Sakurai on suspicion of injuring her 42-year-old female housemate, identified as Ms. A, by sewing her lips together.

“

Help me, Call the police, I cannot speak

The harrowing event came to light on June 30 when Ms. A, in a severely injured state, approached a nearby convenience store for help. According to investigations, Sakurai allegedly committed the assault the previous day. Ms. A seized an opportunity when Sakurai left the house, escaping and handing a note to a store employee. The note conveyed messages such as "Help me," "Call the police," and "I cannot speak."

The store employee initially mistook Ms. A for a regular customer, but her unusual behavior and the note prompted the employee to contact the police. Officers confirmed the situation through written communication with Ms. A and transported her to the hospital. Evidence of stitches and blood were found around her lips, though her life was not in danger. Ms. A reportedly told police she was too afraid of Sakurai to escape sooner.

“

Sakurai was scary, so I couldn't run away right away.

The exact nature of the relationship between Sakurai and Ms. A, and the motive behind the brutal act, remain under investigation. However, neighbors have come forward with accounts of suspicious activities at the house where Sakurai has lived for about two to three years. Initially residing with a foreign husband and two children, Sakurai began living with Ms. A in April of the previous year. Neighbors reported seeing individuals other than family members entering and leaving the residence in recent months, and one witness recalled seeing a woman huddled on the ground in the rain outside the house, appearing to have been forced out.

“

Sakurai seemed like an active person at first, but she behaved strangely while working with us.

Further testimonies from Sakurai's past workplace suggest a history of conflict. A restaurant owner who employed Sakurai for about two months last year described her as initially appearing lively but exhibiting strange behavior. This included taking photos of customers without consent and posting them on social media, refusing to acknowledge criticism, providing false reasons for absences, and causing conflict during her departure. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that issues related to social welfare benefits might be connected to the assault, with Sakurai allegedly believing Ms. A reported her to administrative agencies, leading to a suspension of benefits and a demand for repayment.

“

I heard that Sakurai got angry, asking if Ms. A had reported her to the administrative agency.