Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2012 March 14 - 20 [EDUCATION]

100,000 signatures opposing Osaka governor’s attempt to control education submitted

A group of Osaka citizens on March 15 handed over to Osaka Prefectural Governor Matsui Ichiro 104,151 signatures in support of a petition calling for the retraction of two bills which aim to control both public education and prefectural government personnel.

The number of signatures submitted so far to both Osaka Governor Matsui Ichiro and Osaka City Mayor Hashimoto Toru totals 360,000.

The group is the Osaka Liaison Council which was formed to oppose the two ordinance bills. The Osaka Federation of Trade Unions (Osaka-roren) is one of its members.

The group also handed over to the Osaka education board a petition opposing the punishment of public school teachers who refuse to stand up and sing the national anthem “Kimigayo” at school events.

The petition claims that the punishment is in violation of freedom of thought and conscience.

Tanaka Yasuhiro, Osaka teacher’s union chair, pointed out, “Our signature campaign has helped Osaka residents understand the problems associated with the two bills. We will continue gathering signatures and increasing public awareness of the issue.”