HOKKAIDO - A doctor who evaluated the man accused of leading a fatal group assault on a university student in Hokkaido testified that feelings of rejection had developed into a destructive cycle of anger and violence. Yuto Kawaguchi and others are charged with robbery resulting in death and other offenses over the 2024 killing of university student Tomoya Hase, who was beaten by a group in a park in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, before cash and other belongings were stolen. Kawaguchi and the other defendants have admitted the charges, leaving sentencing as the main issue in the trial. Speaking in a trembling voice, she said, "I wanted to at least repay the money that was taken and apologize." The defense asked the court for leniency, arguing that Kawaguchi's upbringing and other circumstances should also be taken into consideration.