There were angry scenes outside Dundalk District Court as an 18-year-old man appeared in the dock charged with murder.
Mohamed Morei appeared before a special late night sitting charged with the murder of Yosuke Sasaki, 24, on January 3.
Another two Irishmen were randomly attacked in the alleged incident within minutes of each other.
As Morei was led in handcuffs into the court, an angry mob had gathered outside, and could be heard shouting “you b*****d, you coward, you scumbag”.
The 18-year-old also shouted out during his brief court appearance, “I’m no gay”, “I’m no Muslim” and “I’m no Pakistani”.
Garda Inspector Martin Beggy told the court that there was nothing in common between the alleged attacker and victim.
It is understood that the 24-year-old Japanese man was walking along with his headphones in when he was stabbed.
Defence counsel asked for free legal aid for the accused, as well as an Arabic translator, and that Morei be medically and psychologically evaluated.
The judge remanded Morei in custody until next Thursday at 10am in Cloverhill District Court.
There was no application for bail from the defence.
Gardaí detectives believe the man entered the Republic through Northern Ireland but have since ruled out any links to Islamic terrorism.
Two mobile phones recovered from the teenager during his arrest.
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