This spring, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education took disciplinary action against Ms NEZU Kimiko and Ms KAWARAI Junko-six-month suspension and three-month respectively-for their refusal to stand up and to sing Kimigayo (glorification of the Emperor: “May His Majesty’s reign continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations”). However, they determined to repeat their refusal at next graduation ceremonies. After long and careful consideration, on the coercion of Hinomaru (“Rising Sun”, the war flag used during WWII and other aggressive wars) and Kimigayo, which deprive their students of right to know and right to self-determination; instill a single, uniform value; and teach the students to obey any orders and instructions, they realized that they can not and must not follow the order to stand up and chant Kimigayo.
The Metropolitan Board of Education stated that the maximum suspension was six months; next spring, Ms Nezu might be fired. Therefore, we, undersigned, urge the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education:
Not to instruct the relevant principals to issue any and no work order, including “stand up and sing” order, concerning the school ceremonies, and
To follow the ruling of the Tokyo District Court of September 21, 2006 (which ruled the teachers shall not have no obligation to stand up, to sing Kimigayo) and to stop dismissal or any other punishment against education workers.
Committee for Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers
Tokyo Japan mgg01231 nifty.ne.jp
To sign: