Ikeda Primary School on Wednesday held a graduation ceremony for its sixth grade, including the seven students who were killed five years ago in a knife attack at the school in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture.

The students were in the second grade on June 8, 2001, when the attack--which also left a first-grade student dead--took place.

The graduation ceremony began at the school's gymnasium at 9 a.m., and was attended by 600 people, including students, their families and four of the victims' families.

Classmates of the seven victims held their photographs during the ceremony. When the seven victims' names were called out, two close friends of each answered and climbed the steps to the stage to receive a graduation certificate on their behalf.

After the ceremony, five of the victims' families--including those who attended the ceremony--received the certificates from Principal Tatsuo Shiraishi. One of the other two families visited the school in the evening to collect the graduation certificate while the other will visit at a later date.

"I believe your efforts and the support of the people around you have helped you overcome the tragedy," Shiraishi said in his speech to graduating students. "I hope you'll keep the seven victims in your hearts as close friends."

Mariya Kato, who delivered the valedictorian speech, said: "We've learned from the incident about how precious our lives are. We'll never forget our friends, with whom we studied at this school, and the seven, whose lives were unfortunately lost."

Norihiro Hongo, whose daughter Yuki was killed in the attack, said, "I really thank the graduating and other students for being Yuki's friend.

"March 1 was Yuki's birthday. I wanted to see the 12-year-old Yuki receive her graduate certificate on the stage. I wonder how happy I would be if she were still alive," he added.

Yomiuri

7 students were killed?

So sad and scarey.

that was very tragic. but unfortunately other recent child murders have continued after that. its a problem that worries parents these days

Wow, thats fuked up.

Sad is definitely the word i would use to describe this madness.

I remember that stabbing. In fact I wrote a paper about it in highschool, too bad I don't have it anymore.

7? jesus.....how did he do that with a knife and where the fuk was the teachers?....i hope that fuker is dead