Comment by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Concerning the Incident at Ikeda Elementary School affiliated to Osaka Kyoiku University

June 8, 2001

I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of those children who died the incident. I also extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families in deepest sorrow.

I express my deepest sympathy to those who suffered from the incident and I wish for their earliest possible recovery.

I feel tremendous pains in hearing that such an incident happened in a school, where pupils should be able to study in safety.

I will endeavour to the fullest extent to ensure safety in schools, while doing my best to take measures including mental support for those who suffered.