Sri Lankan man arrested over murder of Brazilian tourist in Japan
A stark tragedy has unfolded in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, where the life of Amanda Borges da Silva (30), a Brazilian woman who had expressed her desire to move to Japan due to its perceived safety, was tragically cut short.
The case has raised concerns about the increase of foreign nationals in Japan, with many querying whether the perpetrator of the crime was in the country illegally.
Just a day after posting on social media about Japan’s safety, Ms. da Silva was found dead in her apartment.
Japanese police have apprehended Abailija Patawadige Pathum Udayanga (31), an unemployed man from Sri Lanka, on suspicion of arson related to the fire that broke out in Ms. da Silva’s apartment.
Authorities are also actively investigating the incident as a potential murder-robbery. Ms. da Silva’s body was discovered amidst the ruins of her burned residence.
According to the Brazil 247 website, the suspect reportedly stated that he noticed the fire but claimed he “was too shocked to put out the fire,” raising questions about the circumstances leading to the blaze and Ms. da Silva’s death.
Police suspect robbery as a primary motive, noting that Ms. da Silva’s bag and cell phone were missing from the scene. Investigations are also underway to determine if drugs or sexual assault played any role in the crime.
A UOL website report indicated that Ms. da Silva’s likely cause of death was asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation, a detail that police have conveyed to her family.
Her cousin, Thiago Borges, told the media, “It’s highly likely that it was a robbery-murder, and there are also signs of an attempt to hide the body.”
Ms. da Silva, a researcher with a master’s degree in linguistics from Caldazinha, Goiás, had traveled extensively throughout Asia. She arrived in Japan in April to attend the Formula 1 Suzuka Grand Prix.
During her stay, she was deeply impressed by the serene rural landscapes and the safety of the Shinkansen bullet train.
She had even shared her positive experiences on social media, expressing her wish to live in Japan and recounting her surprise and gratitude when her lost backpack, containing cash and her passport, was safely returned after being left on the Shinkansen. “It’s a really safe country,” she had remarked.
Tragically, the day before her death, Ms. da Silva spoke to her mother, reassuring her, “I feel safe in Japan.”
She had been planning to return to Japan at the end of May, harboring hopes for a new life in the country she admired.
Brazilian authorities are responding swiftly to the tragedy. According to a TerraSite article, the Goiás state government is facilitating the transportation of Ms. da Silva’s body and providing funeral assistance.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also collaborating with Japanese authorities to offer consular support.
The city of Caldazinha issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of “a young woman who was full of dreams and loved by everyone.”
The life of a woman who came to Japan seeking safety has been abruptly and violently taken in a foreign land.
As police intensify their efforts to uncover the full details of this shocking incident, the international spotlight is now focused on Japan’s public safety and the protection afforded to foreign residents.
Source: Brasil Nippou
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