Killer of confectioner in Mine City, Yamaguchi: back door unlocked, room ransacked

An 80-year-old Japanese confectionery shop owner was found dead in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, with police investigating the case as a homicide. His wife was also injured in the attack and remains hospitalized. The victim, Kazumasa Saito, was discovered bleeding from the head on August 28. The back door was unlocked, and parts of the room showed signs of being searched, though no items were confirmed stolen. The cause of death was shock from blood loss due to head trauma. Police believe the attack occurred on the day of discovery or the day before. No weapon has been found, and investigators are exploring motives including personal grudges or financial gain. The shop had been loved locally for years.