Public teachers sue Tokyo government over 'Kimigayo' dismissals

On June 17, nine Tokyo public high school teachers filed a lawsuit against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government demanding that their dismissal on the grounds that they had failed to stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at school ceremonies be annulled.

The plaintiffs were supposed to be hired on a short-term contract after their mandatory retirement in March, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education withdrew its job offerings on the grounds that their failure to stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at graduation ceremonies in March indicates their poor working performance.

The plaintiffs' lawyers stated that the dismissals are in violation of the constitutional freedom of conscience and that the metropolitan government failed to provide "rational reasons" for its decision. (end)