The teachers, from TMG government-run schools, are among 206 reprimanded between February and April for not singing Kimigayo or refusing to play the piano for the song. They claim the punishment violates their constitutional freedom of thought and conscience.

Separately, 75 of the reprimanded teachers filed similar appeals with the TMG on April 5.

In October, the board of education advised principals of 347 TMG public high schools and schools for disabled children to make sure all teachers rose and sang the anthem while facing the Hinomaru national flag.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 8, 2004
(C) All rights reserved