Brazilian Researcher Found Dead in Japan Apartment Fire

Narita, May 6, 2025 — Amanda Borges da Silva, a 30-year-old Brazilian researcher, was found dead in her apartment in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, following a fire on May 2, 2025. The day before, Silva had posted on social media, stating, “Japan is a very safe country. That’s why I want to move here.” Japanese police arrested Abayiriya Patawadige Patum Udayanga, a 31-year-old unemployed Sri Lankan man, on suspicion of arson. Authorities are also investigating the possibility of robbery and murder, as the fire originated in Silva’s apartment, where her body was discovered among the charred remains.

Suspect’s Statement and Investigation

Udayanga reportedly admitted to noticing the fire but stated he was “too shocked to extinguish it,” allowing the blaze to spread, according to a May 3, 2025, report by Brazil 247. The police are examining the circumstances of the fire, including potential motives, as Silva’s death has raised concerns about safety for foreign residents in Japan. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm the exact cause of death or additional charges.

Silva’s case highlights the experiences of Brazil’s Nikkei community, descendants of Japanese immigrants, who number approximately 2.3 million in Brazil, per the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many, like Silva, relocate to Japan for work or study, with 211,000 Brazilian nationals residing in Japan as of 2023, according to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Despite Japan’s reputation for safety, with a 2023 crime rate of 2.8 incidents per 1,000 people per the National Police Agency, incidents targeting foreigners, though rare, underscore the need for robust safety measures. Discussions on platforms like X have expressed shock, with users noting the tragic irony of Silva’s post about Japan’s safety.