Key Facts
• Staff at a Hiroshima daycare used wrestling moves on children with disabilities.
• A child shouted “Stop!” while being subjected to these actions by the facility’s head.
• Former staff revealed such behavior was “routine,” including yelling and hitting.
• Hiroshima City confirmed misconduct and suspended the facility for three months starting September 1.
• The facility’s head claimed the actions were part of “playful communication.”
• Two facilities operated without required full-time staff, violating personnel standards.
• Fraudulent subsidy claims were made to Hiroshima City and the prefecture.
• Authorities revoked the operator’s designation and issued administrative penalties.
Summary
A daycare facility in Hiroshima, operated by “Wata no Hana,” faced a three-month suspension after staff were found using wrestling moves on children with disabilities. A child was heard shouting “Stop!” during one such incident involving the facility’s head. Former employees described a pattern of yelling, hitting, and other inappropriate actions as routine. The head defended the behavior as “playful communication.” Additionally, two facilities under the same operator failed to meet staffing requirements and fraudulently claimed subsidies. Hiroshima City and the prefecture imposed administrative penalties, including revoking the operator’s designation.
