Monday, April 19, 2004

More on the national anthem and flag

This was a waker-upper this morning. An article from the BBC on Japan's national anthem and flag and how teachers are being persecuted and prosecuted for not showing symbolic respect for them.

'Takayuchi Tsuchiya is a (Tokyo) city councillor who wholeheartedly backs Governor Ishihara's new rule. "Singing Kimigayo will help promote a sense of national unity," he told me.'

'Mr Takayuchi has no sympathy for rebel teachers. He dismisses them as communists who want to indoctrinate the children.'

'Open debate on divisive issues is strongly discouraged for fear it would disturb social harmony.'

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