Japan Press Weekly

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2012 June 13 - 19 [CIVIL RIGHTS]

Amagasaki city assembly rejects imposition of ‘Hinomaru’

A committee of the Amagasaki City Assembly in Hyogo Prefecture on June 18 voted down a local ordinance bill to oblige all municipal facilities to display the Japanese flag, “Hinomaru (Rising Sun)”. The “Hinomaru” is seen by many as a symbol of Japanese Imperialism.

The rejected bill was submitted to the city assembly in February by the Shinsei-Kai, a conservative political group consisting of 11 assembly members. It would require all city facilities including public schools and the assembly chamber, and all events or ceremonies held by the municipality, to display the “Hinomaru” flag.

Citizens’ groups and individuals presented to the assembly no less than 8 petitions against the bill. They started a protest movement and engaged in a variety of actions such as a sit-in at a park near the city hall. The Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom (JLAF) also expressed its objection to the bill.

In discussion at the assembly, Japanese Communist Party assemblyman Hayakawa Susumu said, “Forcing public schools to display the ‘Hinomaru’ flag at their entrance and graduation ceremonies is in violation of the government teaching guidelines.”

Hayakawa stated that the public’s good sense has thrown the bill out.