The Japan Teachers' Union began a three-day regular meeting Thursday in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward to discuss action plans with a special aim to oppose government moves to legally recognize the Hinomaru as the nation's flag and "Kimigayo" as the anthem.
Union Chairman Yuji Kawakami said in his opening speech that, along with some lawmakers, the union should do all it can to discourage Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's Cabinet from adopting a bill to legalize the Hinomaru and "Kimigayo."
The Cabinet plans to adopt such a bill today.
"Teachers are responsible for teaching the modern history of Japan and the world. We strongly oppose this forced legislation by the government," Kawakami said.
The issue is a controversial one both within Japan and abroad, because the two symbols are closely associated with prewar imperialism and wartime Japanese militarism.
The union's action plans pointed out that in Hiroshima Prefecture, orders to hoist the Hinomaru and sing "Kimigayo" at entrance and graduation ceremonies were issued to principals, and those who did not follow the order were reprimanded.
Considering the situation and its special resolution adopted in March by the regular central committee, the union should take measures to oppose the the national flag and anthem legislation, the action plan said.
Regarding other issues, the action plans say the union will continue campaigning to promote educational reform by achieving a 30-student class-size in 2002, when the five-day school system starts.