The defense counsel for Mamoru Takuma, who was sentenced to death Aug. 28 for murdering eight children at an Osaka elementary school, appealed the ruling on Wednesday.

The move comes despite Takuma's repeated requests that no appeal be lodged.

His lawyers filed the appeal with the Osaka High Court, saying the Osaka District Court failed to thoroughly examine the mental competency of Takuma, 39, before sentencing him to death.