1 dead, 3 hurt in explosions north of Tokyo

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A 72-year-old man detonated explosives and died Sunday as part of an apparent suicide, injuring three others during a cultural event 80 miles north of Tokyo, police said.

Investigators found the badly burned remains of Toshikatsu Kurihara in Utsunomiya Joshi Park's bicycle lot, the Kydo News Service reported.

He was a former officer in the Self Defense Forces, which is Japan's military. Police found what appeared to be a suicide note with him. Police said the note expressed anxieties related to family matters.

Kurihara's home had burned down about half an hour before the explosions.

Three others were injured in another explosion in the parking lot, including a 14-year-old boy. Their extent of injuries is not known.

Three cars were burned, including one belonging to the former SDF member, according to NHK.