15 Killed in Osaka Adult Video Theater Fire

OSAKA, Japan — A man set fire to a Osaka adult video center Wednesday, killing at least 15 people in what police said was a suicide attempt.

The Cats Adult Video Theater, located on the ground floor of a seven-story building in an entertainment district in Osaka, had 32 viewing cubicles each equipped with a cot, a television and a DVD player. The video center offered mostly adult movies, but also cartoons and Hollywood films. Its clientele included businessmen who used the rooms as a cheap alternative to hotels after missing the last train home and young people whose low-paying jobs cannot pay for standard housing.

When the blaze broke out at about 3 a.m., most of the cubicles were occupied.

The suspect, who was one of the customers, was arrested on suspicion of arson and attempted murder, Osaka police spokesman Kengo Hirami said. The suspect admitted to police that he set a fire using a stash of newspapers in his bag, according to Harami. Police quoted the suspect as saying he did it because "I was tired of living," public broadcaster NHK reported.

Officials have not determined the identities of the 15 dead. Several of the injured, nine men and one woman, were hospitalized in serious condition.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has instructed fire department officials to conduct an emergency nationwide inspection of video shops, Internet cafes, karaoke bars and other entertainment facilities with individual cubicles.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on its Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Gläs' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced a variety of new items from its Gläs collection.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Reagan Foxx stars with Shay Sights in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “Let Me In Too.”

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Hookup Hotshot Adds TobyDick.com

Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) has added U.K. paysite TobyDick.com to its network.

Leana Lovings, Shay Sights Front 'Substance' Parody From Brazzers

Leana Lovings stars with Shay Sights in the latest release from Brazzers, a parody of "The Substance.”

Little Puck Stars in Latest Episode of 'The Bottom Floor' From Adult Time

Little Puck stars in the second episode of Adult Time series “The Bottom Floor,” titled “The Second Coming.”

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Show More