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Schools reject Japan's call to grade pupils on patriotism

Gary Schaefer,Ap,In Tokyo
Friday 09 May 2003 00:00 BST
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Few schools in Japan are complying with the government's call for pupils to be graded on their patriotism – and those that are face opposition from teachers and civic groups.

"Fostering love of country" is on the social studies curriculum for 11-year-olds, under Education Ministry guidelines approved last year to encourage pride in Japan's history and culture. But a newspaper poll last week found that fewer than 200 of Japan's 24,000 state primary schools were complying. Patriotism is often associated with the jingoism of Japan's militarist government before its defeat in 1945.

Civic groups are protesting against them and Shinji Furukawa, of the Japan Teachers' Union, questioned their legality. He said: "Freedom of belief is guaranteed by the constitution and applies to children as well."

The issue is especially complex for Japan's minorities, particularly the large Korean community. Korea was under brutal Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, and many Koreans in Japan are descendants of those transported as labourers. "How is a Japanese teacher supposed to grade a Korean on love for country?" asked one.

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