Man, 32, arrested in stabbing death of Japanese chef in Vancouver

Canadian police announced Wednesday that they had arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with the assassination of Japanese chef Wataru Kakiuchi in Vancouver a week earlier.

Police do not believe Kakiuchi and the suspect, Timothy Isborn, who was arrested Monday afternoon, knew each other, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release.

The department launched an investigation after Kakiuchi was found injured near the city's Chinatown around 3:30 a.m. local time on June 5. He had been stabbed and died before being taken to a hospital, police said.

According to media reports, Kakiuchi began working in Vancouver at a Japanese-style izakaya restaurant around 2015 and had expressed his desire to stay in Canada long-term.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim offered his condolences to Kakiuchi's family and colleagues, describing the victim as “more than a talented leader” who was “a positive presence and valued friend to many.”

Kakiuchi was from Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, according to his social media account.

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