The funeral was held Monday for 6-year-old Mirei Ikuta, whose dismembered body was found Sept 23 in bags dumped in a wooded area in Nagata Ward, Kobe, 12 days after she disappeared.
Ikuta's classmates and school officials attended the somber ceremony. TV media showed many children holding flowers as they arrived; some adults were in tears as they left the venue.
About 200 adults and children attended the funeral, media reported.
Ikuta's mother said her daughter only had six short years with her but said she will live forever in her heart, NHK reported. One man said he had come to see Ikuta off on her way to heaven.
Yasuhiro Kimino, 47, has been arrested with abandoning Ikuta's body.
Police last week found a bloodstain in his bathroom; a DNA test matched it with the victim's blood. Police also found the knife believed to have been used to cut up the girl's body in the apartment.
Kimino has so far refused to talk about the killing.
© Japan Today
22 Comments
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Ed Cubio
rest in peace... you are in god hands now...
WilliB
She wanted to play with cats and instead met this monster. It just so sad I don´t want to think about it.
Jessica Marie Sato
Having my own baby daughter, this story struck a cord with me so deeply. I can't even begin to imagine how the mother feels.
We may think 'Not my family', but in actual fact such a possibility of your child being taken away, as this terrible incident has shown, is closer than we think.
I pray to the family. Living the rest of their life without their daughter will feel like an eternity until they can see her again on the other side.
nandakandamanda
How is it that the police searched the apartment from top to bottom and found nothing, not even a trace of blood/DNA?
Then two or however many weeks later they discover blood, thus DNA, and a knife under the bathtub?
Let us hope he really is the perp and if so that he is prevented from ever doing such vile things again. Ever.
AkariYoshida
Dear Lord, this is horrible. There is no reason to do what he did to that child
kaimycahl
RIP Mirei Ikuta
Cggn Kr
RIP my dear Mirei. I'm sorry!
CGB Spender
My prayers are with the girl and her family. It's they only that can provide some comfort during this grief.
Mocheake
Rest in peace in God's care little one. There is no more pain or hurt in your life. Prayers go out to your loved ones.
Genki/Flash
I don't have to say it! We're all thinking the same thing. Let justice be done for the little girl and her family.
BurakuminDes
Rest in Peace little Angel. Condolences to her family - their lives have forever been damaged by this act of evil.
May the monster responsible be dealt out the strictest form of punishment available.
IfeelImust
May god bless you little one and the devil take the perp.
papigiulio
rip. deepest sympathies to family and loved ones.
harvey pekar
I'm someone who likes closure, and this suspect who refuses to talk really makes me angry. I hope he finally confesses or indisputable evidence is found so the little girl's family gets closure on this horrific tragedy.
slumdog
My heart goes out to her family and friends. It is just such a sad story.
Mirai Hayashi
I am so heartbroken by this...poor little girl.
YES! Now THIS is damning evidence! This is the nail in the coffin. With all of the other evidence found, there is no doubt that they've got the right guy.
nath
Sweet little innocent angel may you rest in heavenly peace. You are in the arms of God now
khulifi
God bless you Mirei .. rest in peace
LaWren
Rest peacefully, Mirei. Safe with Jesus in heaven, now.
sensei258
I can't imagine the pain the mom is feeling. May God comfort her.