An Epoch-Making Verdict!!

＊‘Kimigayo’ directive violates freedom of thought

＊Teachers are not obliged to stand and sing the national anthem

On September 21^st Thursday, the Tokyo District Court, acknowledging all the claims by the plaintiffs, ruled that

1. Teachers have no obligation to stand facing the national flag and sing the national anthem or play the piano in accompaniment to the song.

2. Tokyo Board of Education should not impose teachers any punishment for the reason that they do not stand facing the flag and sing or play the anthem

3. Tokyo Government must pay the plaintiffs \30,000 each in compensation.

The presiding Judge Koichi Namba said that to force anyone to sing Kimigayo while facing the national flag violates their freedom of thought and conscience, and that Tokyo’s directive was invalid and breached the Fundamental Law of Education.

Mr. Hiroshi Oyama, the leader of out lawyers, said at the press conference, “This is one of the best rulings in the history of education court cases.”

Following are the voices of a plaintiff, a lawyer and a supporter.

“I’m glad that I have fought as a plaintiff of this lawsuit. I have regained the human pride.”

“The sound judicial spirit was still alive in the courts in Japan.”

“This ruling will encourage a huge number of people”

Thank you very much for your support!