The second psychiatric evaluation for Masanori Hirahara, the 44-year-old suspect arrested in the stabbing of two junior high school students in Kitakyushu last December, has concluded.

A Lengthy Evaluation Process

Hirahara was transferred back to the Kokura Minami Police Station on the evening of the 16th. The suspect is accused of using a blade to attack a third-year male and female student at a fast-food restaurant in Kokura Minami Ward, Kitakyushu, in December, resulting in their deaths and injuries.

Assessing Criminal Responsibility

Prosecutors, seeking to determine his criminal responsibility, placed him under a first psychiatric evaluation for three months starting this January. Deeming a second opinion from another specialist necessary, they proceeded with a second round of鉴定留置 (kantei ryūchi - appraisal detention). The initial deadline for this second evaluation was July 15th, but prosecutors requested and were granted two extensions, with the final deadline set for September 16th.

The Path to Prosecution

With the evaluations now complete, prosecutors will review the findings to decide whether to formally indict Hirahara. The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about mental health support and public safety.