Japan Press Weekly

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2012 September 12 - 18 [EDUCATION]

Tokyo education board intervenes in high schools’ selection of textbooks

In protest against the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education’s intervention in high schools’ selection of a Japanese history textbook, citizens held a rally on September 11 in Tokyo.

It was organized by the Children and Textbooks Japan Network 21.

According to a report made during the rally, the education board attempted to prevent Tokyo’s public high schools from selecting a Japanese history textbook published by Jikkyo Shuppan, which says in accounts of Japan’s national flag and anthem, “There is a move in some municipalities to force public employees” to stand up for the “Hinomaru” flag and sing the “Kimigayo” song at ceremonies.

Tokyo’s education board contacted the principals of 17 schools, telling them not to use the history textbook for newly-enrolled students in the next fiscal year. The textbook was then not chosen by any school this year although it was selected by 6 schools last year.

One high school gave up selecting Jikkyo Shuppan’s textbook after receiving 4 phone calls from the education board, telling them that the selection does not meet with the board’s policy.