Parents care for three-year-old still on ventilator after nursery choking incident
Three years after choking on apple pieces at a nursery, 3-year-old Koshi Tamura remains unconscious on a ventilator, cared for around the clock by his parents.
Koshi Tamura, now three, has been unconscious and ventilator-dependent since a choking accident at Niihama-Jobu Nozomi Nursery in May 2023, which caused cardiac arrest and lasting brain injury. After leaving the hospital in December 2023 at 8 kg, he has more than doubled his weight but still requires constant supervision by his parents, Atsushi and Saki, who rotate shifts and log his position changes every two hours. A physical therapist recently used a standing frame to stimulate his legs and hips, noting growing ankle deformities that may need surgery without ongoing therapy.
The family faces new challenges, including a cut in monthly medical-tube supplies and the threat of power loss during disasters, prompting them to keep backup batteries and a specially equipped welfare vehicle. Despite lingering anger toward the nursery, the parents hope the tragedy raises awareness about childcare responsibilities.
Why it matters
The story highlights the long-term burden on families caring for children with severe injury and the systemic gaps in medical support.
In this story
