Fatal Fire at Tokyo Sauna: Investigation Underway

On December 15, 2023, a fire broke out in a private room at Saunatiger, a luxury sauna located in the Akasaka district of Tokyo's Minato Ward. The incident resulted in the deaths of a married couple, Masanari Matsuda, 36, and Yoko Matsuda, 37. The couple was found unconscious near the entrance of the sauna room and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in Akasaka

The fire reportedly began around noon, shortly after the couple reserved the room for a two-hour session starting at 11 a.m. Emergency services received a call at approximately 12:30 p.m. indicating that an emergency alarm was ringing. Investigators found that the sauna room's doorknob had fallen off, potentially trapping the couple inside. The room showed signs of fire damage, including burned towels and seating areas.

Two Dead After Fire Breaks Out at Private Sauna in Central Tokyo

Investigations by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) revealed that the emergency button receiver in the sauna's office was turned off at the time of the incident. Although the emergency button inside the sauna room had been pressed, the receiver did not function, which may have hindered timely assistance. The sauna's management stated they would cooperate with authorities to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future occurrences.

The Straits Times2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in AkasakaTwo Dead After Fire Breaks Out at Private Sauna in Central Tokyo

Saunatiger, which markets itself as a luxury establishment offering private sauna experiences, has suspended operations following the incident. The facility's general manager, Panzetta Girolamo, expressed deep condolences for the loss of life and emphasized the seriousness with which they are treating the situation. Safety experts have raised concerns regarding the sauna's ventilation and the potential risks associated with using lithium-ion batteries in such environments.

2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in Akasaka

Critics have pointed out the lack of proper safety measures in the sauna, particularly regarding the emergency systems and the design of the sauna rooms. The absence of doorknobs on both the inside and outside of the sauna room has been highlighted as a significant safety oversight that may have contributed to the couple's inability to escape.

2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in Akasaka

The operator of Saunatiger released a statement expressing their condolences and commitment to investigating the incident. They stated, “We take this incident very seriously and offer our deepest apologies for the loss of a precious life. We will work with relevant authorities to investigate the cause and do our utmost to prevent a recurrence.”

2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in AkasakaTwo Dead After Fire Breaks Out at Private Sauna in Central TokyoThe Straits Times

• “We take this incident very seriously and offer our deepest apologies for the loss of a precious life,” — Saunatiger Management

Two Dead After Fire Breaks Out at Private Sauna in Central Tokyo

• “The possibility that a lithium-ion battery caught fire may be investigated in the police and fire department’s investigation into the cause of the fire.” — Akira Tanaka, former member of the Tokyo Fire Department’s Special Rescue Team

2 dead after fire breaks out at luxury sauna in Akasaka

The MPD is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the functionality of emergency equipment and the sauna's overall safety protocols. Autopsies are also being conducted to determine the exact cause of death for the victims.

The Straits Times