Japan Press Weekly

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2014 July 2 - 8 [EDUCATION]

High school teachers call for cancellation of study meeting at SDF base

As if in sync with the Abe Cabinet’s decision to enable Japan to use armed force abroad, a study meeting of teachers will take place under the theme of the significance of Japanese Self-Defense Forces’ international contribution at an SDF base in Hokkaido, Akahata reported on July 5.

The meeting is called for by a voluntary organization of social studies teachers of public and private high schools in Hokkaido’s Asahikawa City and nearby municipalities, and will be held on July 17 at the Ground SDF Asahikawa Station. Teachers who want to attend the event can designate it as an official business trip.

The program for the meeting will begin with a high-ranking SDF official’s one-hour lecture on SDF activities after the March 11 earthquake, followed by SDF staff presentations on three themes, including potential SDF international contributions. The program will end with a tour of SDF equipment and facilities, including visit to a museum where the major exhibit glorifies Japan’s past war of aggression.

Some teachers who are members of the organization criticized the meeting as an instructional orientation at the SDF. One public high school sent to the organization a letter calling for the cancellation of the meeting by stating that the meeting program is a vehicle to spread SDF propaganda.