Three family members spanning as many generations were found dead with ropes around their necks in their house in western Japan, apparently in a suicide incident, police said Wednesday.

The bodies of Aiko Tamada, 79, her 52-year-old son Yoshinori, and the man's 15-year-old daughter Saki were discovered Tuesday night along with what appeared to be a suicide note at the house in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, the police said.

The eldest Tamada was found in the first-floor kitchen while the man and his daughter were found in a room on the second floor, the police said, adding that the three were the only residents of the house.

According to the police, a caregiver who was taking care of the woman asked police to confirm her safety at around 7 p.m. Tuesday after he was unable to contact her.

Police officers found the individuals in an unresponsive condition in their house at around 8:45 p.m. and all three were confirmed dead.