The first serving lay judges expressed relief Thursday at having completed their duties and encouraged others to step up and benefit from what they called "a valuable experience."
After handing down a 15-year prison term for murder to 72 year-old defendant Katsuyoshi Fujii at the Tokyo District Court, the six lay judges and an alternate said the proceedings were clear and easy to follow.
Although the names of the seven were withheld, they all gave their ages and occupations. The six lay judges were comprised of four women and two men aged between 38 and 61, and included company employees, a piano teacher and a dietitian. The alternate was a 38-year-old male company employee.
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