High court sides with Tokyo on anthem | The Japan Times Online

Another example of Japanese courts coming down on the side of the government when it is clear that elected officials have infringed on someone's human rights.

It is unclear whether this applies to public and private schools, but my guess is that it would be difficult to enforce at private schools.

"The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and board of education did not violate the Constitution by requiring school teachers and other staff to stand when the Hinomaru flag is raised and the national anthem sung during school events."

High court sides with Tokyo on anthem | The Japan Times Online