TOKYO – A Japanese fan who stabbed a budding pop music star dozens of times in a frenzied attack at a concert was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison on Tuesday.
Tomohiro Iwazaki, 28, was arrested last year after stabbing Mayu Tomita, a young pop star and actress, in the neck and chest.
The Tokyo District Court ruled that Iwazaki be jailed for 14 years and six months, Jiji Press reported.
Read also: Japanese pop star attacked by knife-wielding fan
Photo GalleryGirls-group AKB48 gets new leader
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Prosecutors, who had demanded 17 years, argued the defendant had “a strong will” to murder Tomita in anger after she returned a gift he had sent her, Jiji said.
Female Japanese pop stars, known as “idols,” often cultivate a girl-next-door image, appearing at fan events and performing at smaller venues.
They attract large followings among mostly young men, though the devotion of some has turned violent.
In 2014 two teenage members of hugely popular girl group AKB48 were attacked by a man wielding a saw at one of its regular events where they mingle with fans.
Read also: Saw-wielding man attacks Japan girl group AKB48
Fans vote for leader of girl-group AKB48 after saw attack
Photo GalleryJapan girl group AKB48
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