A woman has been arrested in Japan for allegedly using a needle and thread to sew her flatmate's lips shut, according to reports. Masae Sakurai, 49, a part-time worker, was taken into custody on Monday in Koga. The alleged attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. on June 29 and left her 42-year-old roommate unable to eat or speak.
The victim reportedly escaped the house the following day while Sakurai was out. Wearing a white face mask, she approached a nearby shop and handed a worker a note that read, "please help me."
The shop employee contacted the police. The victim told officers that she had delayed attempting to flee sooner out of fear, stating, "I was afraid of Sakurai, so I couldn't escape right away."
Police are investigating the motive and circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, as well as the relationship between the two women. It is unclear if Sakurai has admitted to or denied the allegations.
The two women had been living together at Sakurai's house since April 2025, Japanese media reported. It is believed other individuals were present at the property at the time of the incident. Acquaintances told local broadcaster TV Asahi that Sakurai had a history of offering shelter to people who had left their homes and assisted them in finding work.