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Scholars protest against Tokyo's 'Kimigayo' rule

On June 22, 122 constitutional and educational scholars submitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education a statement demanding nullification of punishment of teachers who had refused to stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at school ceremonies. They claimed that the punishment is in violation of the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Education.

The action was called by Waseda University Professor Nishihara Hiroshi.

The statement said, "Education should be aimed at helping children develop their ability to think independently," adding that ordering teachers to stand up and sing "Kimigayo", with penalties for failure to comply, is to force children to follow particular values by using teachers as authority figures.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education had punished public school teachers with reprimands and wage cuts for their refusal to stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at graduation and entrance ceremonies. - Akahata, June 23, 2005