Japanese Government Wishes to Promote Patriotism Amongst Citizens

Due to the revision of the Fundamental law of Education,  "patriotism" has become a topic of discussion. Government parties expressed the wish to include the phrase "an attitude that respects tradition and culture, loves the nation and homeland that have fostered them" in the law. This revision will possibly enforce the teaching of patriotic education. However, there are many contrasting views about this issue.

Many Japanese have been aware that the reason Japan entered the Pacific War was due greatly to the patriotic education of the people. And until recently discussions about patriotism have been taboo as they are thought to inspire racism. The Japan Teachers Union has been strongly against the raising of the national flag "Hinomaru" (Rising Sun) and the singing of the national anthem "Kimigayo" (Imperial Reign). As a result, patriotic education has not been practiced except in a small number of schools.

The Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science and Technology sent to schools an official notice requesting that the national flag be raised and the national anthem sung. In 1999, an accident occurred in which a principal of a senior high school in Hiroshima committed suicide on graduation day. It appeared to have stemmed from a dilemma in which he was caught between opposing teachers and the Ministry. This event was a reason behind the creation of the national flag and anthem law. At the time, then Prime Minister OBUCHI explained that "the treatment at schools will remain the same," but teachers have felt unseen pressure.

"Hinomaru" and "Kimigayo " - reminders of the war
The raising of the national flag and singing of the national anthem, both of which are symbols of enhancing patriotism, create some problems. Raising the "Rising Sun" national flag reminds people in other Asian countries of Japan's past military invasions. And the lyrics of the national anthem "Kimigayo" mean "May your (Emperor) reign continue for a thousand years, for eternity, until pebbles grow into boulders covered in moss."

However, the patriotic British song "God Save the Queen" acknowledged as that country's national anthem, is also highly respectful of the Queen. There are people who say that "Kimigayo" should not be the one to be criticized when compared to the British anthem. In fact, in the Meiji era when the lyrics were written, most of Japan's modernization was modeled on Britain's, then the world's greatest empire. It is believed that Japan's anthem was subsequently modeled from the British anthem.

Some people say that "Kimigayo" also reminds people of militarism. But the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" is a military song and there are many nations that use a military song as their national anthem. So, some people say Kimigayo does not especially represent militarism. However, in Japan's case, the history of the country's invasion of other Asian nations is still casting a dark shadow on the "Hinomaru" and "Kimigayo."

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