Parents oppose 'Hinomaru' 'Kimigayo' instructions given to Tokyo public schools

Parents of students at metropolitan schools on February 25 submitted about 3,000 signatures to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, demanding that it reconsider its order for metropolitan schools to hoist the "Hinomaru" flag and sing the "Kimigayo" song at school ceremonies.

Their statement said, "To accept various views and learn how to coexist with each other is a necessary condition to live peacefully in an internationalized society," adding that giving such requirements to schools are "in violation of freedom of thought, principle, and religion."

At a press conference on the same day, one of the petitioners said her child goes to a high school that is accepting children from more than 20 countries. "A few days ago, I was informed by the school that it will hoist the "Hinomaru" flag at the center of the stage. I'm concerned it could lead to a kind of fascism," she stated.

Their petition is currently supported by parents of students attending 36 metropolitan schools.

Last October, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education ordered metropolitan schools to hoist the "Hinomaru" flag and sing the "Kimigayo" song at school ceremonies. Teachers and staffs who do not follow its instruction will be punished. (end)