Japan Press Weekly

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2012 June 13 - 19 [CIVIL RIGHTS]

Kawasaki citizens object to hoisting of Hinomaru during assembly sessions

Civic groups and a lawyers’ organization on June 12 handed to political parties in the Kawasaki City Assembly a statement which opposes the hoisting of the “Hinomaru” (rising sun) flag during assembly sessions.

On June 5, the Liberal Democratic Party proposed that the assembly fly the Japanese national flag during the session term. While the Democratic, Komei, and Your parties agreed, only the Japanese Communist Party opposed. Chair of the JCP assembly members’ group Chikuma Koichi said, “People have different reactions to seeing the ‘Hinomaru’. Such a controversial flag should not be displayed in the chamber.”

The LDP will submit to the current assembly session a draft resolution on displaying the Hinomaru flag in the assembly chamber, seeking to have the resolution adopted on June 22.

Citizens’ groups stated, “We are fearful of unilateral move to display the ‘Hinomaru’ flag in the assembly chamber in defiance of public opinion.”

Hozumi Masashi of the Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom stated, “Under the national flag and anthem law, the hoisting of the ‘Hinomaru’ isn’t an obligation. People’s views on ‘Hinomaru’ vary according to their past experiences and other factors. The city assembly should take into account the divergence in opinions.”