171 teachers to file lawsuit against Tokyo's punishment of teachers

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

171 teachers to file lawsuit against Tokyo's punishment of teachers

On December 23, 171 school teachers in Tokyo formed a group of plaintiffs to file a major lawsuit next February demanding that the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education revoke punishments against them for their refusal to stand up to sing Kimigayo and to play the piano in accompaniment at school ceremonies.

These public school teachers were punished after the board issued an instruction in October 2003 ordering metropolitan schools to hoist the Hinomaru flag and sing Kimigayo at school ceremonies.

Hoshino Naoyuki, co-representative of the plaintiffs' group, said at their meeting held on the same day, "Though the Fundamental Law of Education was adversely revised, we will seek wider support among the public by making full use of the Constitution."

Representatives of the Tokyo High School Teachers' and Staff's Union and the All-Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo)-affiliated Teachers' and Staff's Union in Metropolitan Schools for Disabled Children spoke in solidarity.
- Akahata, December 24, 2006