Police identify man stabbed to death in Chinatown as local leader

The victim of a fatal stabbing in Vancouver's Chinatown has been identified as Wataru Kakiuchi, a 32-year-old chef.

Kakiuchi, who worked at Hapa Izakaya in nearby Yaletown, was found injured near Union and Main streets just before 3:30 a.m. PT Wednesday, according to police. He died before he could be transported to a hospital, police said.

Mayor Ken Sim said police had increased their presence in the area. He called the killing a “senseless act of violence” and said Kakiuchi was more than a talented leader.

“He was a positive presence and a valued friend to many. His contributions to our community will not be forgotten,” Sim said in a news release Thursday.

“On behalf of the City of Vancouver, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Kakiuchi’s family, friends and colleagues. We stand with you in this time of grief and sorrow.

Police said they have yet to make any arrests in the case, nor have they determined a motive for the attack.

Friend and colleague Yoshihiro Tanabe said he was unable to sleep after learning of Kakiuchi's sudden death and was trying to deal with it.

“Why Wataru?” » said Tanabe. “He’s so perfect.”

Hapa Izakaya owner Justin Ault said the news felt like a “kick in the stomach.”

Ault remembers Kakiuchi as a positive person who got along with everyone and was an “incredibly good” musician. He said the former chef was waiting for a new work permit to return to the restaurant.

“To some in the kitchen, he was a real brother,” Ault said. “Words cannot describe how sad we are.”