A tragic case that shocked Japan reaches its conclusion as prosecutors seek a 16-year prison sentence for a drunk driver who killed a student en route to university entrance exams.

Tragedy at the Crosswalk

In January, a 35-year-old unemployed man, Ryohei Ikeda, allegedly drove under the influence through a red light at approximately 70 km/h, striking two pedestrians in a crosswalk near JR Koriyama Station. The incident resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to another victim.

A Mother's Heartbreaking Testimony

During the trial's conclusion on September 10, the victim's mother delivered an emotional statement to the court: "Everything I see and everything I do makes me think about how my daughter would be if she were still alive. I cannot believe he claims he missed the red light. I feel like Ryohei Ikeda killed my daughter, and I want the heaviest possible punishment for him."

Prosecution's Position

Prosecutors argued that Ikeda showed no remorse and intentionally ignored clearly visible traffic signals, making this case among the most severe category of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury. They emphasized that he had no intention of obeying traffic signals despite being fully capable of seeing them.

Defense's Counterargument

The defense maintained that alcohol impairment caused extreme distraction, leading Ikeda to overlook the red light rather than intentionally ignore it. They contested the dangerous driving charge, claiming the necessary intent for conviction was absent.

Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns

Following the accident, Fukushima Prefectural Police intensified drunk driving crackdowns around the 22nd of each month, marking the victim's monthly anniversary. Despite these efforts, drunk driving arrests continue throughout the prefecture, highlighting an ongoing societal challenge.

The court will deliver its verdict on September 17.