The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education said Tuesday it will punish teachers at public high schools in the capital who refused to stand up and sing the "Kimigayo" national anthem at graduation ceremonies this month.
Nearly 200 teachers at metropolitan government-run high schools refused to sing the anthem at ceremonies in March, a group of such teachers and their supporters said. The number of teachers to be penalized and the specifics of the punishment have not been released.
The education board issued a notice in October to the principals of 347 public high schools and schools for disabled children, telling them to ensure that all teachers rise and sing the anthem while facing the Hinomaru national flag hoisted at the center of the ceremony stage.