Woman arrested for allegedly stitching housemate’s mouth

IBARAKI – A 49-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly stitched her 42-year-old housemate’s mouth shut in an incident in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

Police said the suspect, identified as part-time worker Masae Sakurai, allegedly used a needle and thread to stitch the victim’s upper and lower lips together at around 1.30pm.

Investigations found that the two women had been living together since April 2025.

The victim managed to seek help the following day after rushing to a nearby store while wearing a white face mask.

Unable to speak, the victim handed a note to a store employee with the words, “Help me.”

The victim later told police that she was unable to escape earlier as she was afraid of the suspect.

Police also said several other individuals were living at the residence and their statements were being recorded to assist with the investigation.

The case is being investigated under laws related to assault causing injury.