Table of Contents
- Bear Attack Incident
- Search Efforts
- Katsumi Sasazaki's Career
- Tributes and Reactions
- Bear Attack Statistics in Japan
A former professional wrestling referee and cherished father has tragically lost his life in a horrific bear attack while working at a Japanese hot spring inn.
Katsumi Sasazaki, aged 60, was cleaning an outdoor bath at a hot spring facility in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, when authorities believe he became the target of a bear.
Katsumi Sasazaki is believed to have been attacked by a bearCredit: Wikimedia Commons
Brown bears are known to roam the Japanese countrysideCredit: Getty
The retired referee, who had previously worked for All Japan Women’s Wrestling, Zerol, and most recently Marigold Wrestling, was reported missing by his manager on Thursday.
Police later discovered signs of a struggle, including bloodstains, animal fur, and a pair of abandoned slippers at the scene.
A search team of 30 individuals, which included two police officers from Iwate Prefecture, began combing the surrounding area, suspecting that Sasazaki had been taken by a bear.
City officials and members of the local hunters’ association also participated in the search effort.
Unfortunately, the search had to be suspended after just 30 minutes due to inclement weather conditions.
At 9 AM on Friday morning, Sasazaki’s remains were discovered in a wooded area across the Getogawa River, approximately 50 meters northwest of the hot spring inn.
Sasazaki, known by the nickname “Katsumi Tiger,” served as a professional women’s wrestling referee for many years before transitioning to a bus driver, where he transported wrestlers to competitions.
He later took a position at the hot spring inn, where he was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facility.
Hideo Arai, the president of a Yokohama-based entertainment company, shared a heartfelt tribute to the father of two.
“As a respected referee, he was a cornerstone of many ring events,” Arai stated.
“He had a kind personality and approached matches with sincerity.
“I knew he had retired and was working at a hot spring, but how could this happen?”
Tributes have poured in on social media, including from legendary Japanese wrestling figure Rossy Ogawa.
“Sasazaki’s last refereeing role was in the Marigold ring,” he noted.
“He was a junior from All-Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling, quiet yet dedicated to his craft, and he had two young daughters.
“Such an end is unimaginable; it can only be described as deeply regrettable and heartbreaking,” he added.
“May he rest in peace.”
This tragedy has occurred amid a rising number of fatalities caused by bears in Japan.
According to the country’s environment ministry, seven people have been killed by bears since April—the highest number recorded since 2006.
The majority of these fatalities have occurred in the northeastern regions of Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Katsumi Sasazaki?
Katsumi Sasazaki was tragically killed in a bear attack while working at a hot spring inn in Japan.
What was Katsumi Sasazaki known for?
He was known as a professional wrestling referee and was affectionately called “Katsumi Tiger.”
How many bear attacks have occurred in Japan recently?
According to the environment ministry, there have been seven fatalities due to bear attacks in Japan since April, marking the highest number since 2006.
