Photo/Illutration Prince Hisahito, second from right, visits Bhutan with his parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, in August. (Pool)

The Tokyo District Court on Feb. 14 sentenced a man who trespassed in Prince Hisahito's school in Tokyo in April and left knives on his classroom desk to 18 months in prison, suspended for four years.

Kaoru Hasegawa, 57, an unemployed resident of Kyoto city, was indicted on charges of entering Ochanomizu University Junior High School in the capital’s Bunkyo Ward on April 26 and leaving knives on the prince’s desk.

Prosecutors sought a prison term of one year and six months for the defendant, who was accused of violating the Law to Control the Possession of Firearms and Swords and other crimes.

“He bears a huge responsibility for causing considerable anxiety to school staff, but he expressed determination to correct his ways,” said Presiding Judge Hideo Nirei. 

Hisahito, 13, is the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

The court said the defendant committed the crime because he wanted to attract public attention by showing off his unique interest in the imperial system. The court criticized him for his actions by saying they were highly premeditated, given that the defendant had visited the site a few days prior to his actions that day.

However, the court gave Hasegawa a suspended sentence, citing that he had no criminal record and the defendant admitted that his actions were reckless.

The court said the defendant donned a hard hat and work clothes, impersonating a construction company employee, and severed wiring on security cameras installed near the gate of the school at around 10:50 a.m. on April 26 before entering the school building.

He entered an empty classroom and left a pole in which two knives were taped to its end.

Related News