S/ Reporter / This is a quiet residential neighborhood in Asahikawa. Numerous investigators wearing white forensic suits can be seen.

On April 26, police searched the home of a man in his 30s who works at Asahiyama Zoo in the city of Asahikawa in Hokkaido.

He is being questioned on a voluntary basis on suspicion of abandoning his wife's body in the zoo's incinerator used for animal remains.

Investigative sources say the man has told police he dumped his wife's body in the incinerator and burned it over several hours.

They say he has also hinted at his involvement in her death.

The man is believed to have earlier made remarks to his wife indicating he would harm her.

Police say the wife's body has not yet been found.

The zoo has been closed since April 8 to prepare for its summer season and was scheduled to reopen on April 29.