Man arrested for assaulting girlfriend’s elementary school age son

Fujioka, who was arrested on Thursday, is suspected of beating the boy on other occasions, police said, adding they are also questioning the boy's mother about her son's abuse.

I know that there are two sides (maybe three sides) to every story, but you kind of wonder why the son's mother didn't notice anything strange in the boy's physical and mental appearance. I pray that the son will be able to recover (especially mentally) from this, but things like this may likely stay for his lifetime, unfortunately.

Make it illegal for anyone to hit or physical punish children.

@ zichi - Are you sure about that? What about cases where the child's life is in danger after the child supposedly does something without thinking, like crossing the street during traffic without looking both ways. I'm not totally disagreeing with you, just in certain cases.

What about cases where the child's life is in danger after the child supposedly does something without thinking, like crossing the street during traffic without looking both ways.

In a case like that, punish the adult responsible for the child for (1) not teaching the child how to cross the road properly and/or (2) not keeping a close enough eye on a child who has not yet learned how to cross the road properly.

If you have a child who you know does stuff without thinking, then you keep a firm grip on his hand when near traffic.

@Chico3

"I know that there are two sides (maybe three sides) to every story, but you kind of wonder why the son's mother didn't notice anything strange in the boy's physical and mental appearance. I pray that the son will be able to recover (especially mentally) from this, but things like this may likely stay for his lifetime, unfortunately.

The son's mother had probably noticed the abused son, but couldn't ask his boy friend if he knew of it. If so, it's really too bad. I'm really worried about the abused son's future.

The boy suffered bruises around his left eye.

So, this hero has punched the kid in the face. I seriously doubt his punishment will befit his crime.

Fujioka, who was arrested on Thursday, is suspected of beating the boy on other occasions, police said, adding they are also questioning the boy's mother about her son's abuse.

Another case of a single mother prioritizing her latest flame over her flesh and blood. Poor child!

What's wrong with Japan.

Another "big man" another "dead beat." There seems to be an endless supply of them in Japan.

This is a traumatic childhood. And I am pretty sure that the boy's experience of abandonment (his mother failing to protect him, and no father around) will be harder to deal with than the actual violence.

Make it illegal for anyone to hit or physical punish children.

It already is illegal! I believe they made it illegal last year after that big case with the young 4 year old girl who died from her abusive father. But here is the catch: that law provides no punishment even if people break it. Japan in a nutshell.

I raised two kids and never once used corporal punishment (though my wife would - I guess it's how you're raised). Instead, I'd take them in the genkan, make them sit seiza, have them explain what they did and why it was wrong, and then we'd hug and get on with our lives.

It's not rocket science.

I mean is beating a helpless ( I assume from the title "elementary age child") 5-year-old for no apparent reason then lying about it really that fun??? It sure dont sound like it. Frick I'de feel bad for even doing it on accident...AND IM HEARTLESS!!!

I was raised were you dont hurt any1 until they provoke you. THAT KIDDO PROBABLY DIDNT DO ANYTHING WRONG!!!

@Chico3

@ zichi - Are you sure about that? What about cases where the child's life is in danger after the child supposedly does something without thinking, like crossing the street during traffic without looking both ways. I'm not totally disagreeing with you, just in certain cases.

Note zichi said ‘punish’. Yanking a child out of the path on a car isn’t punishment

Violence, intimidation, bullying and verbal abuse are not discipline. Using any of the above as discipline makes a parent part of the problem, not a part of the solution. Even making a kid sit on a mat while you grill them for an apology is a form of intimidation which is child abuse. I have four kids and five grandkids. Usually, just turning the tv off is enough to get them to knuckle down. If you are out in the supermarket and they make a fuss about wanting a couple of bucks worth of candy you just buy it for them. What’s the big deal? Love, respect and understand your kids and they will grow up to be loving, respectful and understanding. Bully, intimidate and verbally abuse your kids and that is the adult they will become.

I raised two kids and never once used corporal punishment (though my wife would - I guess it's how you're raised). Instead, I'd take them in the genkan, make them sit seiza, have them explain what they did and why it was wrong, and then we'd hug and get on with our lives.

It really is a hard concept for some people to understand, sadly. All corporal punishment does is teach a child that the best way to react to a situation you don’t like is with violence. This is especially true in young children who might not even be capable of fully understand WHY their parents are hitting them. All they learn is ‘if someone makes you angry, hitting them is the correct response’.

In this case, this doesn’t seem like ‘corporal punishment’ so much as outright assault.

"If you are out in the supermarket and they make a fuss about wanting a couple of bucks worth of candy you just buy it for them."

The child is controlling you.

Si sad to hear these stories.

No doubt Mr. Fujioka experienced physical abuse when he was a child. The circle continues. Hopefully this youngster will get intervention therapy to allow him to break the circle of violence before he becomes a parent someday.