Fukuoka teacher reprimanded for forcing cherry tomato into student's mouth

A 40-year-old male teacher at a municipal elementary school in Fukuoka City has been issued a formal reprimand for corporal punishment involving a second-grade student. The incident occurred on June 22 during school lunch when the instructor observed a student attempting to discard an uneaten cherry tomato.

According to the Fukuoka City Board of Education, the teacher grabbed the child by the cheeks, forced the cherry tomato into their mouth, and pressed on the child's head and jaw to compel them to chew. The student later spat the food out in a restroom and reported facial pain to parents. The instructor defended his actions by stating he wanted to prevent food waste and had implemented a classroom rule requiring students to eat at least one bite of food they dislike.

The Board of Education classified the incident as corporal punishment and noted the risk of choking or aspiration. While the teacher has been disciplined, he will remain the homeroom teacher for the affected student. In response, the Board has reissued notices to all city schools prohibiting forced eating practices and emphasizing caution with foods that pose choking hazards.