FUKUOKA (TR) – A 40-year-old elementary school teacher in Fukuoka City has been disciplined after physically forcing a second-grade student to eat a cherry tomato during a school lunch, the local board of education announced, reports TV Asahi (Aug. 12).
According to the board, the incident unfolded when the male teacher noticed the young student attempting to leave a cherry tomato uneaten. When the child ignored verbal instructions to eat the food, the teacher escalated the situation.
He reportedly grabbed the student by the cheeks, shoved the cherry tomato into their mouth, and pushed up on the child’s lower jaw to physically force them to chew.
Immediately following the ordeal, the distressed student rushed to the restroom and spat the food out.
“We deeply apologize. We are truly sorry,” an official from the board of education said in a statement regarding the incident.
During questioning, the teacher defended his strict approach, stating, “I instructed the student because I believe food should not be wasted.” He explained that his classroom policy required students to take at least one bite of foods they dislike, though he claims to now be reflecting on his actions.
The board ruled the act as corporal punishment and issued the teacher a formal reprimand. However, officials confirmed that the man will remain in his position as the homeroom teacher for the child involved.
