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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Actions held nationwide to block revision of the Fundamental Law of Education

In opposition to adverse revision of the Fundamental Education Law, various actions took place throughout Japan over the weekend right before the House of Representatives will start discussions on a bill to revise the law.

On May 20 in Tokyo, about 200 people participated in a symposium urgently called for by five organizations, including the All Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo).

Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Ishii Ikuko pointed out that the government has failed to explain why the Law is needed to be revised and said, "This shows their weakness as well as the vitality of the law." She stressed, "The JCP will make efforts to broaden the common ground with other opposition parties to block the bill."

Meiji University Professor Mikami Akihiko pointed out that the main aim of revising the education law is to turn it into a "state education policy law".

On the same day in Nagasaki City, more than 1,000 teachers and parents participated in a rally in protest against the revision of the Fundamental Law of Education.

Nagasaki Prefecture High School Teachers and Staff Union Chair Yoshioka Ken said, "Having discussions behind closed doors, they are trying to enact the bill before the public will find out their true aim."

After the rally, participants staged a demonstration, chanting, "Imposition of 'patriotism' leads Japan on a path toward war."

On May 21 at 11 locations in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 300 teachers, mothers, and unionized workers collected signatures against the revision of the education law.
- Akahata, May 21 and 22, 2006