• Man admits to killing his elderly mother

• Said he was exhausted from caring for her

Japanese police announced the arrest of a man who killed his 100-year-old mother at their home in western Tokyo, after calling authorities and saying he was exhausted from caring for her.

Masato Watabe, 79, covered his mother Masako’s mouth and physically assaulted her at their residence.

An emergency call was made around 2:10 PM, and the woman was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Statistics in Japan indicate declining birth rates and a rapidly aging population, creating a social problem that forces elderly individuals with limited physical abilities to care for older relatives.

Police stated that Masato admitted to the act. Since the two lived together in Machida, Tokyo, authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.