Construction team uncovers corpse in Nakameguro

TOKYO – A construction crew demolishing a former liquor store discovered a skeleton at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward.

The bones, whose sex has yet to be determined, were found beneath a heating blanket on the first floor living room of the two-floor Ikuta Liquor Shop, both a store and residence located in Higashi Yama, a ten-minute walk from Nakameguro Station. By the mid afternoon, the street in front of the decrepit wooden structure had been cordoned off by police officers.

“An investigation is now underway to determine whether it is as a result of a crime or simply due to illness,” a police officer told The Tokyo Reporter at around 10:30 p.m. “In all likelihood it is not crime-related and not a major concern.”

A report filed by the Mainichi Shimbum indicated that the owner of the shop died 20 years ago. Subsequently various family members lived on the premises. In January, the former owner’s eldest died, leaving the property to a grandson, who had hired the team for the demolition work. It is suspected death occurred more than one year ago.

Saturday morning, a construction crew of roughly 6 men could be seen ripping apart shelving within the storefront, with bottles of liquor still lining the back wall.

The upscale Nakameguro area is known for its quaint shops and restaurants. (A.T.)

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