A recent sauna fire in Japan has raised concerns about safety protocols after investigators found evidence of a replaced doorknob. It’s not clear whether the change was made pre- or post-fire. However, an ongoing investigation seeks to determine if this contributed to the fire or hindered rescue efforts. This incident brings the topic of fire safety codes to the fore, for both public buildings and private residences, in Japan.

In Japan, fire safety is taken very seriously due to the country's high population density and wooden architecture, a characteristic of traditional Japanese buildings. This story, therefore, attracts public attention as it highlights the potential risks arising from minor violations of safety rules, such as replacing a doorknob that potentially could have violated safety standards and enhanced fire risk.

Similarly, in the US or EU, fire safety is a wide concern, but there is a stronger regulatory framework in place, with stringent building codes and regular inspections to ensure compliance. This incident calls attention to the need for such stringent enforcement in Japan as well.