Body Without Upper Half Found in Tokyo Mountains; Bear Attack Suspected

NHK World JAPAN, a service of Japan's public broadcaster NHK, reported today that human remains were found in a mountainous area of western Tokyo, with suspected large animal tracks nearby, suggesting a possible bear attack. Other Japanese media reported that the body was missing its upper half. According to NHK World JAPAN, an off-duty police officer discovered part of the remains while hiking on the 14th. Tokyo police began their investigation this morning. In addition to the suspected animal tracks, feces were also reportedly found near the remains. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department stated that around 1 p.m. today, the rest of the remains were found under a cliff more than 100 meters from a hiking trail in the Nippara area of Okutama. The age and sex of the deceased are currently unknown. Japanese media outlets, including TBS, have reported that the body was missing its upper half. Police are currently working to identify the deceased and have launched a detailed investigation, evaluating potential causes of death including a mountaineering accident or a bear attack.