Body of Chinese Woman Found in Wooded Area in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, Japanese police announced on Friday (January 30, 2026) that the body of a 54-year-old woman identified as Shi Muhua (transliteration) was discovered in a wooded area of Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Police are treating the case as a suspected homicide and have launched an investigation. The authorities stated that the exact cause of death is unknown but indicated she may have died from asphyxiation. Post-mortem examination results suggest she likely died several weeks prior.

In a related report by China Central Television (CCTV), the Chinese Embassy in Japan stated it has requested Japanese police to determine the cause of death as soon as possible. The embassy pledged to provide necessary consular protection and assistance to the deceased's relatives.