Missing Japanese poker player found safe after week-long search in Las Vegas
Mystery resolved as World Series of Poker participant located by authorities
A 27-year-old Japanese national who vanished while visiting Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker has been found safe, bringing relief to friends and family who had mounted an urgent search effort.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Thursday that Yuto Moriyasu had been located, though authorities have not released details about the circumstances of his disappearance or where he was found during the week he was missing.
Disappearance sparked concern among poker community
Moriyasu had traveled from Japan in late May specifically to participate in poker events, including the prestigious WSOP Main Event. According to his traveling companion and friend Nobuaki Sasaki, this was Moriyasu’s first international trip, and he spoke limited English.
The young poker player was last seen on July 2 around 11 a.m. when he dropped Sasaki off at the Horseshoe Casino. After picking up burgers for lunch, Moriyasu returned to their Spring Valley Airbnb and texted Sasaki around 1 p.m., promising to join him at the casino shortly. That was the last communication anyone had with him for over a week.
Mysterious circumstances raised questions
When Sasaki returned to their rental home that evening, he discovered puzzling evidence that heightened concerns about his friend’s disappearance. The shared rental car remained in the driveway, and inside the home, Sasaki found:
- A kitchen knife placed on a living room chair
- Moriyasu’s cell phone beside his bed
- His wallet containing Japanese identification
- His daily sandals
- A substantial amount of cash still in an unlocked drawer
Notably missing were Moriyasu’s U.S. wallet containing his Japanese passport and the $10,000 in cash he had prepared as his buy-in for the WSOP Main Event.
International search effort mobilized
The disappearance prompted an international response, with Moriyasu’s family in Japan working alongside local authorities despite being thousands of miles away. Immigration officials confirmed that Moriyasu had not attempted to return to Japan using his passport.
Friends and family launched social media campaigns asking for public assistance, sharing photos and details about the missing poker player across various platforms. The poker community rallied to spread awareness about the case.
Despite the concerning circumstances, Las Vegas Metro Police maintained throughout the investigation that they did not consider Moriyasu to be in danger, though they continued their search efforts.
Resolution brings relief but questions remain
While the news of Moriyasu being found safe has brought immense relief to those who knew him, many questions remain unanswered. Police have not disclosed where Moriyasu was during his week-long absence, what led to his disappearance, or the circumstances of how he was found.
The case highlighted the vulnerability of international visitors unfamiliar with Las Vegas and unable to communicate effectively in English. It also demonstrated the power of community mobilization when someone goes missing in a city that hosts millions of visitors annually.
For now, the poker community and Moriyasu’s loved ones are simply grateful for his safe return, even as the mystery of what happened during that missing week remains unsolved.
Image Source: https://www.aol.com/world-series-poker-player-disappears-144149598.html
Category: Breaking News
Subcategory: Missing Persons
Date: 07/11/2025
