In Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, a significant controversy arose when a local public middle school discarded 2,100 servings of red rice, traditionally served for graduation celebrations. The decision came on March 11, coinciding with the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, leading to debates on the appropriateness of serving this celebratory dish. During a press conference, both the mayor and the education superintendent expressed differing views on whether red rice should have been served or discarded, highlighting the complex emotional backdrop of the disaster's anniversary.

Mayor Hiroyuki Uchida defended the choice to serve the red rice, emphasizing the importance of honoring the earthquake victims while also celebrating the resilience of the graduating students. He argued that presenting the traditional dish would not diminish the respect owed to the victims, indicating that the situation warranted a nuanced approach to such celebrations. Conversely, Education Superintendent Juri Hattori articulated strong reservations about serving red rice at schools directly affected by the disaster, feeling that it was inappropriate given the significant loss of life in the tsunami, underscoring the emotional weight of the day.

Both officials acknowledged the need for better prior communication and contingency planning regarding the school lunch menu, citing that the menu was finalized well in advance but that a better system could have led to an alternate date or dish being chosen for the celebratory lunch. The incident has stirred discussion on how communities remember their past tragedies while also moving forward, especially in educational settings where young students celebrate milestones such as graduation amid historical remembrance.