The body of Megumi Omae, 42, body was found when a man visited a 36-year-old work colleague at the apartment building, Mainichi Shimbun reported.

Police were called and immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the woman's death and why her family just left her there to mummify.

The body was on a futon in the apartment, in plain sight, authorities said.

The woman reportedly moved in with her son and her mother after suffering a broken leg in January.