Hokkaido police have confirmed that a body found buried in a vacant lot in Makubetsu is that of 55-year-old Takayuki Nishimura, who had been missing since early August.

Arrests Made

On September 19, Yuki Umezu, a 36-year-old company employee, was arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body. The arrest followed earlier charges against acquaintance Fumihiko Oue, who was detained on August 15 for allegedly injuring Nishimura with a blade in a separate incident.

Investigation Details

Police discovered the body and construction equipment believed to be used in the crime after acting on Umezu's statements during voluntary questioning. The case unfolded through a combination of security camera footage and witness accounts.

Ongoing Probe

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to Nishimura's death and the motives behind the alleged assault and subsequent concealment of the body.