JAPAN: To Die

The trial of Daisuke Namba, arrested for attempting to kill the Prince Regent by firing a shot at him (TIME, Jan. 7), drew to an end.

Chief Justice Yokota of the Supreme Court said in summing up:

"Daisuke has made a blot upon Japanese history. He believed in violence and had determined to kill the Prince Regent. He committed a great crime in attempting to injure the imperial family, which has never oppressed the poor."

Then, donning the black hat, he solemnly condemned Namba to be hung by the neck until dead.

"Long live the Communist Party of Japan," yelled back the defiant Namba.

Way back in the village of Yamaguchi, Namba Sr., hid his shame. Ever since the crime, ten months ago, no member of the family has been seen outside the house. It was feared that the father contemplated committing hara-kiri as an apology to the throne; if so, then many people are in favor of it, for not long ago one sent a dagger to him by mail and he has received several threatening letters. So incensed have been the villagers at the shame thus brought upon the village that police have had to protect the Namba home.