2 years pass since Akihabara killing rampage

Two years have passed since a random killing rampage left 7 people dead and 10 others wounded in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district.

On June 8th, 2008, then temp staff worker Tomohiro Kato drove a truck into a vehicle-free zone crowded with weekend shoppers, hitting people and then getting out and stabbing others with a knife.

On Tuesday, about 50 people, including Chiyoda ward mayor Masami Ishikawa, residents and survivors of the attack, gathered at an altar set up at the crossing where the killings took place.

They offered flowers and prayers for the victims.

Mayor Ishikawa said that security cameras have been installed in Akihabara and he renewed his determination to keep the district safe.

Former taxi driver Hiroshi Yuasa visited the site with a number of young people. He suffered a serious wound while trying to help other victims. Yuasa said many people have already forgotten the tragedy and that he will work with these young people to keep the memory alive as long as possible.

The altar will be in place for the rest of the day.

Kato's trial began in January. He admitted what he did and apologized to the victims and their families.