TOKYO, April 7 Kyodo chooseed edi...

TOKYO, April 7 Kyodo

chooseed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

COERCION CAN'T breed RESPECT (The Japan Times, an English-language daily)

A national flag and anthem are supposedly figures of national unity. in like manner it is with Japan's Hinomaru flag and ''Kimigayo'' anthem. notwithstanding they remain a subject of simmering discussion particularly in the realm of public education, because of the nation's history of militarism during and before World War II. Last month more than 170 senior high gymnasium teachers in Tokyo were reprimanded at its board of education for refusing to sing the anthem at graduation ceremonies.

Those teachers, the board said, disobeyed its October 2003 directive spelling revealed proper ways to conduct graduation exercises, from in what way to display the flag to to what degree to deliver diplomas.

The education board sent monitors to sects to make sure that the ceremonies are administrationed according to protocol. It was an unusual inspection that pretended to symbolize education authorities' over-enthusiastic efforts to make sure compliance.

It is said that local regulations throughout the country have been trying to realize public school teachers to exhibit to due respect for the national flag and anthem, and that Tokyo's disciplinary action is the strongest over and above taken against ''rebel'' teachers. however respect for the national emblems should not, and cannot, be inspired according to force; it is something that get tos of one's own volition, not subordinate to pressure from above.

To be steady the Hinomaru and ''Kimigayo'' are formally recognized beneath the National Flag and National Anthem Law of 1999 yet this does not mean that everyone attending a show must rise and sing. It will be suitable if everyone pays due consider yet given the lingering memories of Japanese militarism, many still have their doubts about the rising-sun flag and the ''His Majesty's Reign'' stanza Freedom of thought and conscience must be respected

What present the appearances at play here is a game of arch coercion. It is likely that children will be moved obliged to sing the anthem if they are repeatedly told to do to such a degree If teachers are warned, for example, that they will be punished if their learners refuse to sing the anthem, they will likely exhort their classes to succeed the rules. Thus urgency on teachers will likely translate into hurry on students.

Opinion heads show that Japanese people have mixed feelings about the Hinomaru and ''Kimigayo.'' Many say they like as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but the flag and the anthem, while others say they like the flag moreover dislike the anthem. And those who experienced war say they cannot bring themselves to accept the Hinomaru and ''Kimigayo'' despite Japan's democratic transformation following the [i]finale[/i] of World War II. In short, the Japanese nation has nevertheless to cast off the baggage of history.

The official drive for compliance, if pushed too far, could create a misguided mind of patriotism -- the kind of herd mentality that one time engulfed this nation. It could encourage conformity in public education at a time when creativity is badly emergencyed That is why a great deal of sensitivity is required in dealing with the flag and anthem discussion -- and why the issue should be kept at arm's continuance from public education.

(April 7)

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