kimigayo

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Tokyo teachers protest compulsory singing of 'Kimigayo' at school ceremonies

In this season of graduation and entrance ceremonies, teachers' organizations in Tokyo, including the Tokyo High School Teachers' and Staff's Union and other democratic organizations are protesting against the compulsory hoisting of the "Hinomaru" (Rising Sun) flag and singing of "Kimigayo" (His Majesty's Reign).

Finding out that at an evening high school's graduation ceremony a majority of students remained seated when "Kimigayo" was played, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education on March 13 ordered all principals of Tokyo metropolitan government-run schools to make students stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at graduation and enrollment ceremonies.

The Tokyo High School Teachers' and Staff's Union on March 14 criticized this order for being hostile to students' independence and for suppressing freedom of thought and conscience. The Tokyo Teachers and Staffs Union argued that intervention by educational administrations in educational content violates the Fundamental Law of Education.

Seven democratic organizations and trade unions on the same day made representations to the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, calling for an end to the forced hoisting of the "Hinomaru" flag and the singing of "Kimigayo" at school ceremonies.

Retired teachers of Tokyo metropolitan high schools also submitted a statement to the board demanding that it stop its improper control over schools and implement an educational administration based on the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Education.
- Akahata, March 15, 2006