Shocking News

To me anyway. A few years ago, the Tokyo government decided that children would have to sing Kimigayo, the Japanese anthem. Teachers were also required to stand, face the flag, and sing. Many were disciplined when they refused to do so. The song itself has links to the war, so a lot of teachers strongly opposed it. (Japanese teachers were used to indoctrinate children before WWII, and many of today's teachers are very aware of the dangers of anything that smacks of militarism.)

The Tokyo government was sued by a group of teachers---and amazingly, they won. Teachers now have "no obligation" to stand, sing, and face the flag. The story is here.

I'll bet Tokyo's part-time governor, Shintaro "Blinky" Ishihara, is furious. Probably blinking at warp speed and blaming it on the U.S., China, Korea, and foreigners in general. I hope he doesn't soil his panties over it.

This is a rare pause in the march to increasing nationalism we've seen recently. I doubt it will last. (Tokyo can appeal the decision.)

30 September 2006 update: The Tokyo government has filed an appeal to force teachers to stand and sing this thing. I knew ol' Blinky would defecate in his drawers when he heard that.