A junior high school principal in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, has been fired and stripped of his retirement pay, valued at approximately 20 million yen ($133,000 USD), after being caught underpaying for his coffee multiple times at a convenience store. The incident, which took place in January, has sparked heated debate online about the severity of the punishment and the discrepancy between the treatment of public servants and politicians in Japan.
According to local Japanese media reports, the 59-year-old male principal was busted by a store clerk after pouring himself a large-size coffee while only paying for a regular-size coffee. The price difference between the two sizes was a mere 70 yen (47 cents), with regular coffees selling for 110 yen (73 cents) and large-size coffees priced at 180 yen ($1.20).
The clerk, who claimed the man had done the sneaky act twice before, immediately called the police. Although the store did not press charges, word of the incident reached the school, and during questioning by the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education, the principal admitted to underpaying for coffee seven times, totaling about 490 yen ($3.26) worth of misappropriated coffee.
The principal reportedly told the board that he did it "on the impulse of the moment" and declared that he was "truly sorry." He explained that the first time he did it, it was an accident, but when he discovered that a large coffee fit into his regular coffee cup and the staff didn't say anything, he decided to do it again, even knowing it was wrong.
On January 30, the Board of Education handed down a disciplinary dismissal, citing "gross misconduct unbecoming of an educational public servant." They also apologized "from the bottom of [their] hearts" for allowing the incident to happen.
The incident has led to mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that a person in the delicate position of running a school shouldn't be caught up in embarrassing scandals, while others felt that the punishment was disproportionately severe. One commenter remarked, "He could have bought like 100,000 large coffees with those retirement benefits he lost," while another suggested, "He's an older guy, he probably could have gotten away with saying he didn't know how to use the machine."
Takashi Sakata, a professor from Japan Women's University, told news outlet Asahi that the punishment was "disproportionately severe." Many online comments also pointed out the discrepancy between the treatment of the principal and that of politicians, particularly members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who are suspected of misappropriating about 600 million yen ($4 million) in slush funds.
The coffee theft scandal has not only cost the principal his job and retirement benefits but has also raised questions about the accountability of public servants and the fairness of disciplinary measures in Japan. As one commenter put it, "This guy gets a disciplinary dismissal, but principals who cover up bullying do not?"
The incident highlights the importance of integrity and honesty, especially for those in positions of authority and responsibility, such as educators. It also underscores the need for consistent and fair application of disciplinary measures across all levels of society, from public servants to elected officials.
As the debate surrounding the principal's dismissal continues, it serves as a reminder that even seemingly small transgressions can have far-reaching consequences and that the public expects those in positions of trust to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
The New York Post, Sora News, YTV, Hachima Kiko also contributed to this story.
