The trial is underway, Saitama District Court. Dr. Nishikawa said he could not be sure, but he suspected that Tadashi, a licensed clinical psychologist, deliberately chose the wrong answers during the psychological examination. Dr. Nishikawa stated his own findings as follows: He diagnosed that Tadashi was suffering from delusional disorder at the time of the crime. However, the defendant was not willing to stab a child. Also, he was not totally incapable of general understanding, such as being able to live in prison. If the delusional disorder is severe, he cannot live his life under the control of it. Tadashi’s delusional disorder is mild to moderate, and the “unreal world” he describes indicates that he is immersed in delusion. The fact that he can express himself in this way also means that he has a “real world”. If a familiar face had said to him at the bus stop on the day of the incident, “Oh, Asano-san,” the crime would not have occurred. If he had wanted to make small talk, he could have. Tadashi also testified that the executives at the university were trying to get him to quit because he had become depressed, but murdering his wife and almost getting kicked out of the university are two very different things. It is not as if he had a great deal of delusion about the university. This case is likely to be attributed to his delusions about his wife and second daughter. The prosecution used the results of this expert testimony as a strong clue: “The defendant was capable of leading his daily life. He described the circumstances of the crime rationally, and although he had delusions, they were not directly related to the crime” and asked for a 10-year prison sentence.   In response, the defendant’s lawyer said, “The act of killing his wife was premised on and entered into by his delusion. Mr. Asano may not have been able to recognize the illegality of the crime. Dr. Nishikawa’s statement that ‘if he had been approached at the crime scene, he would have stopped the crime,’ is only a hypothesis, and makes no sense at all, considering the influence of delusion on the crime. If he had been able to control his behavior, he would not have bought a knife or made a note.” He pleaded not guilty, saying, “He must be treated under medical observation, not punishment.” Before the sentencing hearing, Houyo’s sister gave a statement of opinion. At times, her voice was choked up. She said, “I feel sorry for their children who cried out, ‘Mother, mother!’ There is no need to kill people even if they are delusional. My sister died without knowing anything about it. Tadashi has yet to offer an apology. A person who studied criminal psychology shouldn’t have done such a thing. I was shocked to hear that he has pleaded not guilty. Please think about the people left behind and my sister. Doesn’t it hurt your conscience? I want Tadashi to apologize, admit his guilt, and make amends.” The defendant, wearing a white mask that covered more than half of his face, turned his head slightly and listened to his sister-in-law’s words, his expression barely changing. His wife, who had died, would not return. What is more disturbing are the three daughters who lost their mother at the hands of their father. Tadashi testified on May 24. “I have been exchanging letters with the eldest daughter, and I know that she is in a very difficult situation. I want to help her, but in reality there is nothing I can do. As for the second daughter, I really want to kill her. But it is complicated when I remember how we used to play together. As for the third daughter, I am the custodian and I would like to raise her if I could, but realistically it is difficult. I am sincerely sorry that I deprived my children of their mother. I worry about the future of my children. But there is nothing I can do.” He stated. On May 30, 2022, after the plea and closing arguments, the presiding judge asked Tadashi if he had anything to say.　Tadashi responded in a firm tone, “I have nothing to say now. I have already said enough during the defendant’s questioning.”  Tadashi Asano will be sentenced on June 22. What will be the outcome for a man who studied criminal psychology and made his living teaching this knowledge to young people? (Honorifics omitted in the text)