More than 100 teachers at schools run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Thursday filed a second lawsuit against the metropolitan board of education, claiming it is unconstitutional to force them to stand facing the Hinomaru flag and sing "Kimigayo" at school ceremonies.
The lawsuit, filed by 117 teachers at the Tokyo District Court, comes on the heels of the board's decision Tuesday to punish teachers for failing to properly instruct pupils to stand and sing the anthem.
A similar lawsuit was filed in January at the same court, targeting the Tokyo board of education and the metropolitan government.
Critics have argued that Tuesday's reprimand will ultimately result in students being forced to stand and sing.
Previously, teachers had been punished because they disobeyed orders to stand and sing the anthem.
The first lawsuit was filed on Jan. 30 by 228 plaintiffs, including teachers and staff at metropolitan high schools and schools for disabled children.
They said the education board's order violates the guarantee of freedom of thought and conscience in the Constitution.
They also demanded that the board not punish them for disobeying the order.
The board issued the order on Oct. 23, requiring the Tokyo-run schools, including schools for the disabled, to display the national flag and sing the national anthem during enrollment and graduation ceremonies.
It also stipulates that those who do not comply with the order will be subject to penalties. More than 200 teachers have since been punished.
The Hinomaru and "Kimigayo" were defined by law in 1999 as the national flag and anthem. Their status is a sensitive issue as they are seen as symbols of Japan's imperial system and militarist past.