Committee to Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai

About This Site

2008-10-21T05:24:00.001+09:00

This is an English translation of Kimiko Nezu's 'going to work under suspension' journal. Kimiko Nezu, a Tokyo school teacher has been suspended from work for the duration of 1, 3, and 6 months for the reason that she did not stand for the national anthem during school ceremonies. During suspension, she still went to the school gate to let the school community know what was going on, and kept this journal. For more background information, please read here.

For Kimiko Nezu's message, please read here.

The Letters from Los Angels Country Federation of Labor

2008-09-06T04:59:00.000+09:00

To Superintendent of the Office of Education of TMBE.

To Chairperson of the Office of Education of TMBE.

To President of JTU.

The Letter from California Labor Federation to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education

2008-08-08T14:06:00.001+09:00

Masayuki Ohara
Superintendent of the Office of Education
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office No. 2 Main Bldg., 2-8-1
Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ward, Tokyo, ZIP code 163-8001, Japan

Dear Superintendent Ohara,

The California Labor Federation, representing more than two million unionized workers, supports Sister Nezu Kimiko, Sister Kawarai Junko, and the 410 other Japanese teachers organizing for peace and justice in Japanese schools.

We believe that all workers have an inherent right to exercise their freedom of expression on matters of conscience. Particularly at a time when millions of people are suffering from war and genocide and millions more struggle to survive, we think it is imperative that our teachers serve as models for the kind of humane and just society we want our children to inherit.

As the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Labor Federation, I urge you to find a just and fair resolution to the situation faced by the above-mentioned teachers.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Art Pulaski
Executive Secretary-Treasurer

The Letter from California Labor Federation to Japan Teachers' Union

2008-08-08T14:05:00.000+09:00

Yasuo Morikoshi
President, Japan Teachers' Union
Nihon Kyoiku Kaikan Bldg., 2-6-2 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-Ward
101-0003 Tokyo, Japan

Dear Mr. Morikoshi,

The California Labor Federation supports Sister Nezu Kimiko, Sister Kawarai Junko, and the 410 other Japanese teachers organizing for peace and justice in Japanese schools.

At a time when millions of people are suffering from war and genocide and millions more struggle to survive, we think it is imperative that our teachers serve as models for the kind of humane and just society we want our children to inherit.

On behalf of the over two million working families we represent in California, I want you to know that our members stand with you in defense of your members and the right of all workers to exercise their freedom of expression on matters of conscience.

As you know, the Japanese Constitution includes Article 9, supporting a world of peace and a sustainable future. The California Labor Federation joins with your nation in this hope, and we will work here in America to diligently pursue peace in our lives and in the lives of our children.

Enclosed please find the letter I have sent to the Tokyo School Board urging them to find a just resolution to the challenge faced by your teachers.

In Unity,

Art Pulaski
Executive Secretary-Treasurer

The Letter from California Labor Federation to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education

2008-08-08T14:04:00.001+09:00

Tsutomu Kimura
Chair
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education The Board of Education
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office No. 2 Main Bldg., 2-8-1
Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ward, Tokyo, ZIP code 163-8001, Japan

Dear Chairperson Kimura,

The California Labor Federation, representing more than two million unionized workers, supports Sister Nezu Kimiko, Sister Kawarai Junko, and the 410 other Japanese teachers organizing for peace and justice in Japanese schools.

We believe that all workers have an inherent right to exercise their freedom of expression on matters of conscience. Particularly at a time when millions of people are suffering from war and genocide and millions more struggle to survive, we think it is imperative that our teachers serve as models for the kind of humane and just society we want our children to inherit.

As the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Labor Federation, I urge you to find a just and fair resolution to the situation faced by the above-mentioned teachers.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Art Pulaski
Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Patriotism in Japanese schools breeds controversy

2008-04-24T11:21:00.000+09:00

The following link is video by France 24.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmCAnyt4aaA

"Singing the pre-World War II national anthem in schools is compulsory since a few years, but some parents and teachers worry about patriotism becoming nationalism."

In this video, Ms. Kimiko Nezu objects to militarism.

Monday, March 31, 2008

2008-04-01T23:37:00.001+09:00

On March 31, 2008, we have the VICTORY in our hands!

TMBE (Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education) issued the disciplinary notification to Ms. Nezu, that is "suspension for 6 months and job relocation".
This is really unjust and outrageous disciplinary action, however they could not FIRE Ms. Nezu as already announced.
This is a real proof of the power of international solidarity. Thank you so much for your heartfelt support!

Here is the link to the TBS news on April 1 compiled by members of Committee to Stop Firing of Nezu and Kawarai with English subtitles.

Here is a Japan Times article that covered the event on March 31st.

Here is a article by the staff of Peace Philosophy Centre on March 4th.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

2008-03-25T08:55:00.000+09:00

Tokyo Teachers Sit For Peace at Graduation Ceremonies

A quick report from Tokyo -

Please visit followed site:
http://peacephilosophy.blogspot.com/2008/03/tokyo-teachers-sit-for-peace-at.html

Monday, March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T22:16:00.000+09:00

One hundred people did support Ms. Nezu in rainy morning.

The graduation ceremony of Minamiosawa Gkauen School, and the press conference in TMG.

Monday, March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T09:35:00.000+09:00

The agenda of the BCTF annual general meeting that was reported with the Vancouver Sun on March 17, 2008.

Please click either image to expand.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

2008-03-18T19:00:00.000+09:00

Opinion Ad

We've run the attached opinion ad in morning edition of the Yomiuri distributed Tokyo local on March 18th.

Monday, March 10, 2008

2008-03-10T17:09:00.000+09:00

A Whole-Day Protest in front of the TMG.

The reports with photograph in Japanese is here.

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE

Coallition Against Militarism in our Schools

Sisters and brothers in Japan, we are so honored to be with you in your fierce struggle as you oppose the symbols of militarism -Hinomaru and Kimigayo. You have not only endured attacks to your persons but have organized and mobilized the working people to speak out against the silencing of your freedom of conscience. You have taken your responsibility as teachers and models for your students seriously. We deeply appreciate you and all the students, teachers and working people who have joined you in this movement of resistance. The Japanese Teachers Union slogan "never send our students to war again" has taken on a new meaning for all of us. We thank you.

You have brought your struggles across the Pacific Ocean and touched our souls. Teachers and the working class in the United States applaud you in your courage and join you in spirit. We too, are opposing the militarism in our country, in our schools, in our budget- that influences every aspect of life in America. We are angry that 50,000 US troops are deployed around the islands of Japan, particularly in Okinawa where you are affected by the US military in every way-including crime, pollution, depleted uranium, rapes and the psychological and economical impact of these military bases on your land.

The movement for peace and justice in our world needs your voice to be strong and stand firm as you approach the March graduation ceremonies. You have chosen the hard way, but the way of peace and justice will prevail. As you mobilize in these actions, know that you are an inspiration to all of us. Gambatte!

In solidarity,
Arlene Inouye

Coalition Against Militarism in our Schools (CAMS)
United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

The comments of On-line Petition

2008-03-09T21:37:00.000+09:00

We would like to publish the comments of on-line petition as follows:

As an academic, educationist and author of school textbooks, I thoroughly support the Committee Stop Firing Nezu

Let's struggle together for the independence of teachers and free thinkers

That's incredible, i've forwarded to all organizations i belong to ! Anarchosyndicalists greetings !

Neo-nationalists and their conservative friends should think about the only way to promote the identity of the japanese nation is to educate their children properly, and this cannot be done without the knowledge that their nation, as any other, made mistakes in the past. Those mistakes cannot be forgiven with denial, but with acceptation and apologies, which should never be considered as a shame. May Ms Nezu, Ms Kawarai and the other teachers succeed !

Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers

Un message de sympathie pour ces enseignants qui ont le courage de dire ce que beaucoup n'osent plus exprimer

only education can deliver us from all the violences, and this is its first role

Hold on! I hope you will win in the end!

I have slightly different interpretation on Hinomaru and Kimigayo from one shown above. However, I believe it is IMPORTANT to support people who is acing on their own belief. Also it is something 'un-nutural' that Board of Education holds such a power against individuals' thought and faith with ignoring the ruling of the Tokyo District Court.

Educational Institutions are neither platforms to foster nationalism nor to merely train workers. They are privileged places in and through which critical thought can exist and subsist. This is undoubteldy of benefit to any society. Why make schools into places in which people are forced to learn to stop thinking.

I support Ms. Kawarai and Ms. Nezu in their right of independent conscience and refusal of compulsory patriotism. They provide an important example for the teaching profession internationally. Prof. Joe Lockard English Department Arizona State University

I ask you to reconsider these harsh measures against people of good conscience.

Those who resist natilonalism should be applauded for their courage rather than punished. The disciplinary actions taken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education severely compromise the democratic ideals which should principally inform and be nurtured by educational institutions.

Academic freedom for ever.

Please stop this dismissal or any other punishment against education workers!

Please reconsider the decisions you have made about Ms Nezu and Ms Kawarai. In Canada, we consider that your requirements are not justified for a democratic society. In Canada, teachers are not required to praise the flag ir the national anthem.

Lest you may have forgotten these words of wisdom, let me refresh your memory. We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the National Diet, determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do firmly establish this Constitution. Government is a sacred trust of the people, the authority for which is derived from the people, the powers of which are exercised by the representatives of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the people. This is a universal principle of mankind upon which this Constitution is founded. We reject and revoke all constitutions, laws ordinances, and rescripts in conflict herewith. We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship and we have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honored place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want. We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone, but that laws of political morality are universal; and that obedience to such laws is incumbent upon all nations who would sustain their own sovereignty and justify their sovereign relationship with other nations. We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish these high ideals and purposes with all our resources.

Ms Nezu is the best teacher you could have for your students. Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education: You should be enlightening minds, not depressing them. Board of Ed., shame on you. -Larry Duncan co-producer Labor Beat cable tv show, Chicago

Hello: I am a teacher in a lower class public big city school. I agree that discipline and standards are very important for students and teachers. However, I do not agree that teachers should give up freedom of choice to stand up and sing they do not wish too. Thank-you for considering this request.

Keep Peace! No Stupid Rule Is Needed. Hinamaru Flag Is Only A Tiny Simbol Kimigayo Is Only A Sleepy Song Everyboby Can Be Free From Foolish Custom

I support the freedom of thought and conscience.

This is very disturbing especially in a modern democratic society as advanced socially and economically as Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education should be held liable for the consequences for the harm done to the teachers and students.

Academic freedom is a cherished value of teachers and students in the United States. True education cannot exist when teachers and students do not have the freedom to act according to their principles. Good luck to educators and students in Japan and across the world who remain true to their ideals.

i agree with my colleagues--as teachers we must stand for freedom of thought and work towards a peaceable world.

Stand up for democracy and let people live their beliefs - this is most important if they differ from the the government!

These teachers deserve to be honoured for their stance against war and militarism and their advocacy for building a better and more peaceful world for future generations - not penalized! Shame on the Japanese Government for its treatment of these wonderful role models for our children!

Please respect the rights of Sister Nezu and the other teachers to follow their consciences.

I stand in solidarity with the teachers of Japan who are exercising their conscience by refusing to stand for the Hinormaru and Kimigayo.

Good luck to the brave professors.

No more thought control!

I lived in Japan for the last 20 years (until August 2007) and I became very alarmed at the increasing control of the government and the blatant suppression of dissent. People who are working actively to maintain democracy and freedom of speech in Japan should be supported by all freedom-lovers throughout the world. You are fighting our fight too! Ganbatte kudasai.

Please keep Nezu, Kawarai and employed. It is important for our children to get an education that includes compassion and understanding. I believe Nezu, Kawarai and other teachers should NOT be punished for not singing Kimigayo. If people want to sing this, they should be able to. If they don't want to, it should be their right not to. Allow teachers to teach our children tolerance and compassion. Best to you and yours,

The degree of freedom of thought and freedom from coercion allowed in education is one indication of the extent to which a society can be called a democracy.

I support Ms. Nezu and Mr. Kawai.

Please protect human rights.

This is an absolutely terrible thing to happen in Japan. Every individual has a right to choose if she/he wants to sing the national anthem or not. Japanese anthem, unlike those in many other countries, has a specific historic reason which makes many people uncomfortable to sing. How can we claim our country as one of the most democratic countries in Asia while the violation of its own constitution is going on. I feel very ashamed.

A Nation should change the anthem to suit current sentiment e.g. as Australia has done. Sensitivity to history, the peoples' mood,and diplomacy, are all considerations which suggest a change in the Japanese National Anthem. Furthermore punative actions demonstrate that democracy in Japan is immature and may cause lowered international standing amongst most developed nations.

I support Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers in their quest.

Good for these ladies for speaking out and remaining true to what is in their hearts. They are the embodiment of principles such as “freedom" and "democracy"--may they receive honor and respect rather than punishment!

Please honor the right of Ms. Nezu and other teachers to follow their conscience regarding the flag and national anthem.

I sign the petition of the Committee for Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers. I am a french writer and I support the action of Ms NEZU Kimiko and Ms KAWARAI Junko. I support their fight to preserve constitutional, civil and human rights and absolute freedom to teach without standing up and singing Kimigayo. This is not a good for a democracy to fire and to persecute teachers for a flag or a national anthem, on political or religious bases : "glorification of the Emperor: "May His Majesty's reign continue for a thousand\ eight thousand generations" !! The imperial war is over and japan is not Chile isn't it ? Make free teachers means to make free new generations... Thank you

In international solidarity.

As a teacher and pacifist, I strongly support teachers Nezu and Kawarai and their colleagues who refuse to stand and sing Kimigayo. To help create a peaceful world, we must teach young people across the globe to examine and question the actions and beliefs of their governments.

Geetings and solidarity from the National Union of Teachers in Westminster. We admire your courage in resisting pressure to glorify imperial and war-like singing which aims to stir up divisions among people - and to indoctrinate children.

I would like to support the teachers.They should not be fired and they should return to work with full rights.The teachers brave stand is a shining light on injustice and bullying, by the board of education.You are making a stand for all teacher,children,and nationals who live,work and study schools.

Forcing people to stand for a national flag and anthem does not make them love their nation more. It has the opposite effect.

The mark of a civilised country is that it does not punish citizens for expressing views contrary to those of the government. I hope that penalties, imposed on teachers for staying seated while the Kimigayo was sung, will be withdrawn and that in future all Japanese will be allowed to express their views in such peaceful ways,

I have fond memories of living in Japan, and fond memories of the progressive Japanese teachers that I studied with in Canada. I learned so much from them, including the fight against standing up for the national anthem.
I applaud and supprt Nezu-sensei and Kawarai-sensei's brave struggle for peace. In addition, I am shocked by the official response. This is 2008, not 1938!
HOW can you punish them? Only a dictatorship punishes people for their peaceful political protests.
What are you teaching children, that patriotic obedience can be forced?
You cannot push a chain.
Do not embarass yourselves in the eyes of the world.
Please, respect free choice and a healthy discussion about nationalism, peace and history.

Kimigayo and the flag, Hinomaru, are symbols of Japan's wartime imperialism and militarism and thus should not be legislated as Japan's national anthem and national flag at all unless Japan is determined to maintain its imperial and militaristic ideology.

It'd be such a shame if any individual was going to be taken away freedom of expression. It is our right that no one should control.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

2008-03-02T07:27:00.000+09:00

Opinion Ad

We've run the attached opinion ad in morning edition of the Asahi distributed nationally on March 2.

"What? Be fired, when not singing!? When you feel joyful, happy or sad, you sing a song from the heart. How can it be, it's coerced to sing, not only that, you be fired if you refuse to sing?"

Thursday, February 21, 2008

2008-02-21T03:54:00.000+09:00

Appeals to Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

2008-02-20T03:52:00.000+09:00

Appeals to Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education.

Report by Kimiko Nezu on her visits to Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, February 1st to 14th, 2008

2008-02-15T23:18:00.000+09:00

On February 1, 2008, I was summoned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education on account of my wearing a pullover with "OBJECTION HINOMARU KIMIGAYO" printed on it, which they alleged was an offence of not obeying the administrative order issued by the principal of my school as well as a violation of the Duty of Concentrating on the Job. The Board claimed that the interview would be in regard to the "incident" reported by the principal of Minamiosawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs in October, 2007. I had many questions during the interview, but the interviewer, Mr. Takahashi, the Chief Managing Officer, kept repeating, "The interview is not an occasion for you to ask questions. I am not in the position of answering them." And so on February 7, I faxed to him written inquiries open to the public. On February 8, I took the inquiries to the Board in person.

On February 12, I received the answer from them. It said, "We are unable to answer any of your questions. That is the answer." This was the response from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education that never fails to insist on the accountability of its teachers!

Anticipating that at the behind-the-curtain meeting of the regular Board Meeting scheduled on Thursday, February 14, the issue of my punishment would be suggested to be included in the agenda, we organized ourselves (I myself and members of the Committee to Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers) to make appeals to the Board for three consecutive days, starting in the evening of the 12th.

The content of the appeals were as follows: "I am not aware of ever receiving an administrative order from the principal. Nonetheless, is it still to be understood by you and me as an administrative order? As I wear the pullover in question, I engage myself in the job wholeheartedly without ever being distracted. The principal, who claims my wearing the pullover to be a violation of the Duty of Concentrating on the Job, has been regularly witnessed by many of his staff to be dozing off at his desk. Shouldn't this behavior of his be understood as a violation of the Duty of Concentrating on the Job? When the report made by the principal and my understanding of the 'incident' diverge, we cannot expect any fair and appropriate judgment to be made. Therefore, I first ask you to answer my open inquiries."

In the early morning on February 13, we handed out flyers of appeals and explained our issues by loud speakers in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (where the Board of Education is housed). Then we headed to the Employee Issues Section, Department of Personnel, and made following requests: "We ask you to at least answer inquiries Ms. Nezu has presented," and "We ask to see Mr. Takahashi, the Chief Managing Officer." While we were making these requests, the plaintiffs of the law suit regarding the Board's refusal to give the retired teachers new appointments arrived, asking to see the Head of the Appointment Selection Section. Overwhelmed by our collective presence, the Head of the Personnel Planning Section resorted to issuing a warning three times.

He read the warning: "It is five minutes past one, and this is the third warning. If this warning was not heard, we will call the police." By calling out the name of myself and Mr. M, a plaintiff of the above-mentioned suit, he issued an "order of departure."

We decided to leave. After having a late lunch, we headed to the Employee Issues Section again. There we saw the Head of the Appointment Section being placed at the front line, and the word "holiday" printed on his vest caught my attention. I asked him several times whether wearing the vest with the word "holiday" printed on it constituted a violation of the Duty of Concentrating on the Job. But there was no answer coming from him. The next day we paid a visit to the same Section, he was not wearing the vest in question. We wondered if that was simply a happenstance.

I had been asking them to see Mr. Takahashi, the Chief Managing Officer, before they decided on a punishment to be imposed on me. The Head of the Appointment Section and the Head of the Public Service Section came out to see me, and they were initially saying: "He won't be able to see you today." In response I told them I would be prepared to see him even in the middle of the night or in the early morning, but this was what they said, quite unconcernedly: "Mr. Takahashi, the Chief Managing Officer, will not see you today, tomorrow, or any time in the future. This is the decision we as the Board of Education have made."

If that was what they insisted, next step was to see Superintendent whose job included, we assumed, answering my inquiries. We headed to the 30th floor where the Superintendent Office was located. There we found strict guard against us. Obviously, they thought we deserved it. Nonetheless, we started to repeat out requests.

On the 14th, there were at least 10 guards that I could see and count. They included not only the guards that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hired but also the Security Police Officers. When we asked through a microphone, "Please, Security Police Officers, do not videotape us," they immediately put away their video cameras. That was why we were sure they were from the Security Police. Following the early-morning distribution of flyers of appeals, we attended the regular Board of Education meeting in large numbers. After that, we made our requests over and over again, even though it might seem futile. The government staff were acting and reacting as if they were Adolf Otto Eichmanns, but as we repeated our request, we hoped that our appeals strike home with even one of them. When I could see that our words touched someone, I felt relieved. Otherwise, all we could see were Eichmanns thrown at the front line.

Anybody who did not do what the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education told them to do were to be expelled. This applied not only to teachers but also to any Tokyoite. That was the message thrown at us from the beginning to the end. Mr. T., my former student, said: "So, we are all dispensable Tokyoite!"

I was supported by so many people day in and day out. On February 12th, 30 people showed up to give their support. On 13th, approximately 100 people did. On 14th, when the regular Board meeting was held, as many as 120 people came out to support me and to express their serious concerns toward the way the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education had been functioning.

Ms. T, Ms. T, who came from all the way from Hiroshima and Osaka to show their support, thank you very much. Two of my former students from my last year at Ishikawa Junior High School showed up and they gave me tremendous energy.

While we were making our requests on the 27th and 30th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, outside there were people encircling the Building to show their support. The members of the Committee to Stop Firing of Nezu, Kawarai and Other Teachers were explaining our issues to the public and asking for their support in two different locations by the Building.

I heard that there were people who gave us monetary support on 13th and 14th. As I saw the bills they had left for us and thought of their expression of support, I felt my fatigue just got blown away.

Let me share with you two happy incidents:

(1) One of my former student from my early years at Ishikawa Junior High School came to Tokyo Metropolitan Government in order to renew her driver's license. As she approached the Building she heard the name "Kimiko Nezu" being mentioned by a speaker talking through a microphone. She asked what was happening, and she came up to the 30th floor to say hi to me and to show her support.
(2) I was given a present by a person working at Tokyo Metropolitan Government. "Why me?" I asked, and she replied, "Because you are fighting for your cause." She probably was aware of and sympathetic toward our morning appeals. We suspect there must be many people working at the Government who share her sentiment.

The issue of my punishment was not discussed at the regular Board meeting on February 14th. We think it will likely be discussed at the next regular Board meeting scheduled on February 21st. In order not to allow them to decide on a punishment that leads to my dismissal, we are planning to organize ourselves on February 20th and 21st as follows.

We welcome your support!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

2008-02-14T00:44:00.000+09:00

Sit-ins and Appeals to Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education.

The video in Japanese is here.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

2008-02-13T00:35:00.000+09:00

Sit-ins and Appeals to Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education.

Please Join an Urgent Phoning and Letter-Sending Campaign

2008-02-01T19:59:00.000+09:00

We need your help urgently! The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education is attempting to fire Ms. Kimiko Nezu before waiting for school graduation ceremonies to be held in March, 2008. They have decided that the message printed on the clothes Ms. Nezu wears at work, which reads "OBJECTION HINOMARU KIMIGAYO," requires an administrative order that Ms. Nezu take off that particular article of clothing.. Since Ms. Neze does not believe such an order can even be recognized as an administrative order, and even if it is, she does not believe such an order can stand on justifiable grounds, she has no intention of obeying it. This can give the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education an excuse to discipline her, and, given the cumulative punishment already imposed on her, the next disciplinary action could well mean her dismissal from teaching profession altogether.
We see this as a preemptive strike by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education before our ever growing support for Ms. Nezu becomes too powerful to ignore. WE NEED YOUR HELP RIGHT NOW. Please consider phoning the following individuals and express your concerns directly to them. Please also send the postcards explained above with additional comments expressing your concerns and support for Ms. Nezu.

Names and phone numbers of the individuals in question:

1 Person in charge of hearing public complaint
Educational Information Section, General Affairs Department
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
Phone: +81 (country code of Japan)-3-5320-6733
Fax: +81 (country code of Japan)-3-5388-1726

2 Person in charge of disciplinary action
The Public Service Division, Personnel Department
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
Phone: +81 (country code of Japan)-3-5320-6792

3 Mr. Yuzo Ozaki, Principal
Minamiosawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs
Phone: +81(country code of Japan)-42-675-6075

Thank you very much for your support.

Citizen Volunteers from the Committee to Stop the Firing of Nezu, Kawarai, and Other Teachers.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

2007-12-25T12:09:00.000+09:00

A Whole-Day Protest in front of the TMG.

The video is here.

Friday, October 5, 2007

2007-10-05T20:47:00.000+09:00

A Whole-Day Protest in front of the TMG.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

2007-07-18T16:31:00.000+09:00

Went to Minamiosawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs.

When I arrived at the school at 7:40 this morning, Mr. Kondo was already there. After a while, Ms. N, a member of Vancouver Save Article 9 arrived, as she had informed us before. She lives in Vancouver, and had temporarily come back to Japan. Three of us welcomed students. Mr. Kondo, as usual, handed a sealed statement of question regarding my treatment to the principal. How would he reply to it?

Ms. N said that she had gotten to know "Kimigayo Fukiritsu" on the Internet and organized a film showing in Vancouver. Both visual images and the Internet have great power. I received a letter which one of the participants of the film showing had asked Ms. N to deliver to me. I was so moved by the letter and was grateful for the thoughtfulness of the person who wrote it.

Today I had two other visitors. While answering Ms. N's earnest questions, I greeted to the students who went for an outside class and came back afterwards. In the afternoon, I took Ms. M, who visited here for the first time, to the coffee shop in the park. The first-grade students of the high school took our orders and brought us drinks. It was their first day of practical training. Each student was working very hard, and my drink tasted special looking at those students.

Shortly after the visitors left, it was time to go home for the students. As I was writing down something, I heard a voice. When I looked up and said hello clearly, the student looked convinced and thoroughly expressed his feeling. Does it mean "I'm your friend," or "I will accept you"? Mr. A who had become quite close to me called me "Nezu Kimiko sensei!", and raised his hand to say good-bye. Some students shook hands with me. Mr. B, a graduate of this school, and I chatted standing up. Some students read my placards. For the past three months, I have gotten acquainted with many students by "going to work" at the school gate. Good-bye until September.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

2007-07-04T12:43:00.000+09:00

Went to Minamiosawa Gakuen School. Raining again.

It turned out to be a very special day today. One of those punished for refusing 'Kimigayo' has joined me here for a month now. His name is Mr. Kondo, a teacher for the night-school at Hachioji Daigo Junior High School. When I 'went to work' at 7:35 this morning, he had already been at the gate. The reason why he came early today was that he wanted to hand a letter, 'Request for Avoiding Dismissal of Ms. Kimiko Nezu' which is given below, to the principal. He had tried that before, but it wasn't successful. So, in order to deliver it to the principal without fail this time, Mr. Kondo got himself all prepared this morning.

At 7:52, the principal is walking towards the school gate. Mr. Kondo introduces himself, greets and says, "I would like you to read this letter that I wrote. Please take it." But the principal doesn't seem to stop and deal with Mr. Kondo. "Could you please," both of us call to the principal a few times, and finally he stops for a moment and takes the letter. Then he hurries through the front gate.

The Tokyo Board of Education and the Municipal School Board proudly present their schools as 'accessible to everybody', but principals and the Tokyo Board of Education are quite selective when it comes to who actually gets access.

I am deeply impressed by Mr. Kondo's action that shows his determination. It encourages me a lot.

Here is his letter to the principal.

Mr. O, Principal
Minamiosawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs
July 4, 2007

Request for Avoiding Dismissal of Ms. Kimiko Nezu

Ms. Kimiko Nezu, one of the teachers in your school, has been unfairly suspended from work for six months by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, and is currently unable to perform her normal school duties. The reason for this punishment was stated that she refused to stand and sing the national anthem during the graduation ceremony. That action by Ms. Nezu was not intended to interrupt the ceremony or disturb educational activities. It was intended to protect freedom of thought and conscience of those who attended the ceremony such as the students, their parents and guardians, and most importantly, to show them how important it was for each student to think for him/herself and act accordingly. That is what Ms. Nezu has been saying consistently. We, civil servants, have the duty to support and respect our Constitution, as it is stipulated in its Article 99. I strongly believe that we, education civil servants, can only fulfill this duty by securing the students' freedom of learning and freedom of thought.

I am fully aware that the National Curriculum Standards specify that the national flag and the national anthem 'shall be taught'. Although the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem (Hinomaru and Kimigayo) has been enacted, there have been many different points of view on their historical and international evaluation both inside and outside the country. I believe that schools are the very place where these diverse opinions are taken into consideration and presented to the students prudently so that they can think over the issue. Also, I think that especially the students in your school and the foreign students in my school need to be guided over this issue with extra care. From these perspectives taken into consideration, the idea that everything must be arranged uniformly at the ceremonies would be against the essentials of education. I would appreciate it if you could tell me how things really stand in your school.

In schools, which can be called a 'soft area' in the society, freedom of speech and freedom of action must be guaranteed to the full. Of course, it doesn't mean we can do whatever we want to do. However, I believe that, over this freedom, there should never be any kind of punishment, let alone a disciplinary dismissal which will deprive you of your social status.

I would like to make the following requests in order for Ms.Nezu to be able to go back to her regular school duties and not to be fired.

  1. Please arrange a meeting where Ms. Nezu can have a talk with your administrative staff even during her suspension.
  2. Please allow Ms. Nezu to get in touch with your staff and have a talk with them within and outside of their work hours, even during her suspension.
  3. In order to avoid her dismissal, please take every possible action as a principal.

Thank you very much in advance.

Junichi Kondo ( one of the punished teachers)　
Night-School, Hachioji Daigo Junior High School

I got many visitors this morning. Besides Mr. Kondo, Mr. M and Mr. D who are working for a press agency, Mr. S, Mr. O, Mr. SU and Ms. T.

The principal came down to see me, accompanied by the vice principal around 9:20, saying "I will hear you here. What would you like to talk to me about?" When Mr. Kondo handed his letter to the principal earlier, I had told him that I would come up to the principal's office later to talk to him. That was the reason why he showed up now. Since he hadn't answered me then, I had been wondering if he had heard me or not. Well, apparently he had heard me all right, but he could have said yes or no at least, I thought.

The principal, who had firmly decided 'not to let Nezu step inside the gate', came down to have a talk with me here, outside as usual, in the rain. This reminded me of another rainy day back in April when I had gone up to his office to ask him a question. At that time he'd told me to go outside and we talked in the rain, oddly enough, with each of us holding an umbrella. This kind of treatment seemed ridiculous to me, and I wondered if the principal and the vice principal didn't also see it that way. Thinking so, I started to talk.

Here is what I had to talk to him about. I had given this lecture in the community centre 10 days before, and I went through the formalities to receive an honorarium. I had told the staff in the municipal government office that there could be a problem because of the restriction on civic servants holding other jobs. Anyway, I had decided to make an application to the principal later on. As today was the first day that I saw him since then, I explained the situation and told him that I wanted to make an application.

However, he would not want to accept my application, saying that it had to be 'an ex ante application'. When I undertook a job as a lecturer offered by the municipal government before, the process had been completed by the government and the principal and I did not have to file an application. "So, according to my experience, I understood that that was how things worked", I explained to him. "Could you please accept my ex post application at your discretion? Because I had not been given any explanation on this beforehand" But all I got from him was a flat refusal.

"Reason # 1", the principal said, "It is not an ex ante application. Reason # 2: You are under suspension at this moment. Reason # 3: The application is not always accepted. It depends on the details of the matter." He just repeated these reasons and wouldn't listen to me at all. I asked him what reason #2 meant, but all he could say was "I am just mentioning the fact". I don't see any relation between my question and his answer. After all, it really didn't matter to him whether I understood or not, I guess.

"Then, what should I do so that my ex post application will be accepted this time?" "There is not any way", he answered and walked away. The only impression that I had from the principal and the vice principal was total indifference.

I took my visitors to the coffee shop in the park. All of us enjoyed a relaxing time with delicious drinks which were all only 100 yen.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

2007-06-13T18:00:00.000+09:00

Went to Minami Osawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs.
The temperature was a little high, but the humidity must have been low as it was cooler in the shade. It was delightfully refreshing.
Ms. S and Mr. M came to school to interview me as soon as I arrived at the school.
Mr. K also joined me around the bell time as he had done the week before. He stood by me with a sign hanging from his neck saying "Protect Ms. Nezu from Dismissal; Stop 'Kimigayo' Coercion," and greeted students cheerfully. "I'd like to show your principal and his staff that there are teachers supporting you," said Mr. K. His words made me very happy.
This morning, Mr. S, Mr. S2, a friend of Mr. S2, Ms. T, a university student, and Ms. M arrived one after the other.

Our group was too big and the sun was too bright to talk outside, and so we decided to go to a coffee shop in Oyamadairi Park next to the school. We were delighted to learn that any drink was 100 yen each! It was wonderful to see the interaction between warmly welcoming store staff and the student staff on practicum who were working very hard.

In one half of the coffee shop, young dads and moms with infants and toddlers were mingling and chatting. It has been a while since I last saw so many babies that close.
While fully enjoying being in that lovely space, we had a great time chatting and laughing.
At the time of school dismissal, I greeted students in front of the school gates as usual.

Today a few future colleagues spoke to me.
"You don't get any salary or bonus?"
(Myself: "Of course not.")
"That's horrible. Still, you are fighting for your beliefs. I thank you very much."
"I do know I must sit down as you do for the 'Kimigayo' performance, but…"
"Let us know if there is anything we can do to help."
I found these words encouraging.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

2007-06-10T20:14:00.000+09:00

The rally in Hachioji, Tokyo.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

2007-05-23T10:19:00.000+09:00

Went to Minami Osawa Gakuen School. 40 minutes after leaving home, I found myself riding on the way to Tsurukawa School. A wry smile. Since I took a long way around, I arrived at the school at 7:50, but still earlier than the Principal.

The Principal stopped at me with a fake smile. "Good morning," I said. "Good morning," he replied. No other words. I asked him,"Do you have anything to say to me today? He said,"If possible..." I asked him, "you would like me to be here?” He replied, "No, if possible I would not like you to be here." I said, "I have asked you over and over to show me the law that prohibits me from being here." He just made a light bow and went through the gate, without answering my question.

I thought this kind of 'instruction' or what I would call 'control' was his duty as a principal, but I wondered where his pride was. I wanted him to give some thought to the fact that such behaviour of 'duty' separated from his true thought would corrupt the society.

It was very hot today even in the morning. It was not so uncomfortable though, due to the low humidity, but the weather report had said the temperature would rise to the average of the end of July. Some students were sweaty, wearing their jackets. "It is very hot. Are you OK?", one of the students in the high school division talked to me. He kindly said, "Would you like to come and have something to drink as it is so hot?"

We went to the coffee shop a little before noon, since I thought it was better to go there before the high school division's practical training finished. We ordered iced coffee and rested for a while. My friends I and J who had visited me at the school gate came with me.

I asked the Vice Principal to allow me to enter the school, as I needed something from the teaching materials that I had brought on March 30th, the day I was notified of my transfer.

That request was approved so everything was okay today, but another Vice Principal came to me and said, "You are not allowed to enter the school until September 30. From now on, please do not do this kind of thing. You can use the bathroom only when it is an emergency.” I said, "You know I will not enter here without an approval. Sometimes I need to get access to my private belongings." He said "No, please do not do it." I said, "I cannot say that I won't." Then we separated at the entrance. I wondered how many of these words of the Vice Principals and the Principal had been instructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education!

Today, K, a graduate from Tachikawa Daini Junior High School, came and talked to me for a long time as there was no club activity after school. He clearly remembered the speech that I once made at the school assembly when I was transferred to the Daini High. "I was very impressed," he said. For the past few years, I had had very few opportunities to speak in front of all the students, except for self-introductions. So it was so moving that this student remembered that one time when I made the speech three years ago! The speech was like this. I showed a ball or something, and asked the students what they saw. Then I asked them what they thought it would be on the side that they could not see. I taught that in this way, things were not always what they seemed like. Seem from the other side, they might look different. In summary, I encouraged the students to try to look at things from different angles and think about them, then use their imagination to the parts that they were not seeing.

That day I went home with great satisfaction.

Friday, May 11, 2007

2007-05-11T22:35:00.000+09:00

At 8:00 am, we started to hand out leaflets at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Main Building No.1. In addition to Ms. Kawarai and I, as many as thirteen people kindly showed up.

Among those was Mr. C, who had sent me a passionate letter of support last year. This was his first time joining us in the leaflet distribution. Ms. D was here for her second time. She and I only met last month, but she was quick to join us in this campaign. Mr. E took a day off from his work and participated. Thank you very much to all.

This activity of distributing leaflets and campaigning for our cause week after week would not have been possible without the support of these people who have taken their time to come out here. I really appreciate their support.

After distributing leaflets, we printed out and sent out our newsletters.

The House of Councilors' Special Committee for Research on the Constitution passed a bill to establish procedures for a national referendum to revise the Constitution. Again, the House of Councilors did not fulfill its function. Japan is taking the first step toward a "country that can wage wars" by getting rid of the second clause of Article 9.

After WWII, teachers' unions, which I belong to, made a resolution that we would "never send our students to battlefields again." To what extent are we aware that the current situation can be seen as equivalent to "sending students to battlefields"? To what extent do we recognize that the mind set of coercing and punishing teachers regarding the issue of "Kimigayo" is the same as that of "sending our students to battlefields"?

Since Golden Week holidays, the weather has gotten warmer. It has made it much easier to stand outside and do what I need to do.

Monday, May 7, 2007

2007-05-07T15:56:00.000+09:00

Went to Tachikawa Daini Junior High School. This morning I arrived at the school gates earlier than usual, and that made it possible for me to greet almost every student who comes to school through the front gates. Among the third graders whom I had not met in April, some greeted me by saying, "It's been a long time since I last saw you," and some just went past by me with a grin. It was interesting to see a variety of reaction.

Once students had all gone inside the gates, I began my work, sitting on my chair, as usual. After a while, I noticed a car slowing down as it approached me. As it was going past where I was sitting, its window rolled down and a man stuck his head out and called out, "Keep at it!" And then the car sped up to leave. I stood up in response and shouted back, "Thank you very much." I did not quite catch his face, but I figured, from the look of the car and the feel of the voice, it must be the same person who gave me a word of encouragement last year. When someone energizes me like this early in the morning, I feel I can start a day refreshed and recharged.

Two people stopped to look at my sign today. One was a man in his 70s. He told me that his older brother had lost his life as a Kamikaze pilot, and because he had died in the name of "patriotism," this man felt uncomfortable negating "patriotism" altogether, since negating it could amount to dishonoring his brother's death. That was why he thought both "patriotism" and "Kimigayo" ought to be honored. "Having said that," he continued, "the punishment you are enduring does not make sense." The other was a man in his late 60s, and he said, "[The punishment] is too severe. The world is going crazy. I hope you can hold up." He also said, "That you are standing right here is in itself a powerful message." I have been trying to explain my cause by putting my whole self in the front line and to draw people's attention to the alarming direction Tokyo's education is heading in. This man seemed to acknowledge my effort as "a powerful message," and I felt encouraged.

I had three visitors in the morning. Ms. Miyako Masuda, a former junior high school social studies teacher, had launched a law suit against Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education regarding their decision to dismiss her from teaching, and its hearing was scheduled to begin at 1:00pm. I left the school to attend it. It was already 3:30pm by the time I returned to the school gates. I couldn't make it to the time when the students were going home. They had left school early today, since there were only five class hours scheduled for the day. At five o'clock, I began to think about going home when my phone rang.

It was from Mr. A., who was now a senior high school student. His high school is adjacent to Tachikawa Junior High School. We decided to meet at the South Gates of the Junior High School - the Gates were located closest to the high school. There Mr. B. joined us, and three of us enjoyed chatting. Since the South Gates were 100 meters away from the high school gates, the high school students who were heading toward the train station would pass by us. Friends of Mr. A. and Mr. B. called out, "Is that your mom, Mr. A.?" "What are you doing there?"

We kept chatting until past 6:00pm. Six was the time when all the students had to leave the school by, and so all the students who had remained at school came out. They included some of the graduates from Tachikawa Daini Junior High School, and I was able to see them as well. Thank you, Mr. A., for such an enjoyable time. Mr. A. is a graduate from Tachikawa Daini Junior High School. He had read my "going to work under suspension" journal on the Internet and begun to come to see me every now and again.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

2007-04-26T23:40:00.000+09:00

Went to Tsurukawa Daini Junior High School. We saw a clear blue sky at last.

The Japanese cherry trees with double flowers were in full bloom last week, and they have remained more or less the same thanks to the low temperatures lately. They were truly a pleasure to watch. I was taking in their beauty after I wrapped up my morning greetings to the students when that familiar elderly man saw me and approached me. "You really are earnest!" he remarked. "Earnestness is my strength," I responded.

Ms. A., who has an elementary-school age child in this catchment area, came to visit me. After she left, Ms. B., who had moved into a home within a five-minute walk from the School, came to see me. Ms. B. said she finally caught me after a few tries. I was grateful to know that both Ms. A. and Ms. B. had been thinking about me.

A woman on her bicycle stopped, read my sign, and dropped a word: "Again?" I did not know what to make of it, and so I asked her: "May I ask what you mean by that?" She responded by one negative word, and then continued: "But you also have been awarded a prestigious teaching award, as I understand." She said she "read about [me] in the newspaper." She continued: "You are a well-known person with the award under your belt. A person like yourself ought not to be standing in a place like this. Why don't you pour your energy into something more meaningful?" Without pausing to hear my response, she pedaled her bicycle away. (Note: The award she mentioned refers to Utako Tada Anti-Oppression Human Rights Award.)

This woman seems to have made a superficial judgment on the contrast between the punishment and the recognition I received, rather than examining each for its content. There may be many people like her, contrary to my wishful expectations. When I was punished thirteen years ago, a talk was given at a junior high school in the City of Hachioji. As I understand it, the talk was about me and its take was not unlike that of this woman.

A little after 10:30am, three university students from Yokohama came to see me. I had been contacted by them the day before. As we talked, I could tell how deeply and seriously these students were thinking about issues in our society and the ways in which they were trying to live their lives. I had planned to spend about an hour with these ladies and to attend a seminar in the afternoon, but their enthusiasm moved me to change my plans. I decided to continue our discussion. Ms. B. was kind enough to invite us all to her home and treat us all for lunch.

When I returned to the outside of the school gates, a bouquet of dandelions and double cherry blossoms was left on my chair. Looking at the way the flowers were bundled, I could tell right away that it was from Ms. C. (an elementary school child)! I felt enfolded in the feeling of deep happiness. When I returned home, I sent Ms. C. a "Thank You!" note by e-mail. I was right -- it was indeed Ms. C. who left me the bouquet. I learned that Ms. C. and her mother were waiting for my return for an hour. I am so sorry, Ms. C.

Among the students coming out of the school gates to go home, there was one 7th grader who looked at my sign carefully and said, "My mother is saying she is not going to stand up for the 'Kimigayo' song, either." This student and I began to talk about interpretations of the song's words.

In the evening, I had a visit from three students who attended a film-making school. These students were very earnest and they had a firm sense of themselves. A student, Mr. D. from South Korea, was particularly well-prepared, making me think that he must have read almost everything I had written.

Friday, April 20, 2007

2007-04-20T08:54:00.000+09:00

Arrived at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office at 8:00am. Handed out a leaflet to those who worked there, and, using a microphone, appealed to them for support of our cause. 14 of us all together, including young people for whom it was their first time to hand out a leaflet of any kind. We made speeches with a microphone at two different places, which contributed to making the whole thing rather an enjoyable occasion.

Following that, we headed to the Department of Education and Information of the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. We were going to submit more signed petitions "An appeal for no unwarranted measures against teachers who choose not to stand up for the Kimigayo song at the school entrance and graduation ceremonies," although the measure of suspending us from teaching has already been taken. We still wanted to communicate the support of those who had signed the petition from all over Japan.

The 30th floor where the Department of Education and Information is located was under the special security operation. As usual, that security operation was directed only toward us, which consisted of tightly closed doors and two clerks with an armband that read "Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education" obstructing our way. They claimed that they had to block our way"because a group of people had come all at once." We saw a few security guards placed on the floor as well.

We were not allowed in even though we had asked to see the person in charge. After a while, an individual who introduced himself as a section chief of the Department came out, and he saw us outside the doors. We learned that this person had replaced the previous section chief. The previous one had been sent to another department after one year's appointment at this Department. One year would have just flown by him while he was trying to learn the job. One year is by no means long enough for anyone to do any job that may have vision and continuity and may attain the quality of benefiting the residents of Tokyo. Ever since Ishihara took the office of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, clerks of the Board of Education as well as the Municipal Government have been increasingly moved around with much shorter time spent in one department, and we hear many of the clerks themselves find it undesirable. I wish Ishihara stopped making sport of governing Tokyo as well as of Tokyo’s educational administration, basing them on his idiosyncrasy.

We made an appointment to see the person in charge next week. We rounded up our conversation by saying that the time and the place for the meeting would be confirmed through our fax communication. In the afternoon, I attended a farewell ceremony at Tsurukawa Daini Junior High School. Student representatives gave "words of thanks" to each of the departing teachers, and proceeded to give a bouquet of flowers to each of us. I, too, received the "words of thanks" that I felt to be more than I deserved, and I felt blessed and grateful.

My departing comments were the product of a few days of thinking and pondering. I had decided to respond to the students’long-standing questions: Why do I not stand up when the Kimigayo song is being played? Why do I not follow rules/conventions? I prefaced my speech by saying "Even though I am approaching my sixties, it still requires me to muster a lot of courage to say something different from what most other departing teachers would say. And so, I am very nervous and my heart is pounding right now."

The following is the rest of my speech.

"It is not because I do not like Kimigayo that I do not stand up for the song. It is because I believe the schools are doing what they ought not to do that I feel compelled to sit while Kimigayo is being played. That is, the schools demand their students to blindly stand up and to sing it without allowing them to know and to think. Do you all know the meanings of the Kimigayo words and the history that accompanies the song? Do you all know why the Board of Education wants you to sing it? Have you ever thought about these issues?

Before we sing Kimigayo in unison, we ought to learn about the song and think about it by exchanging our views and ideas. I believe that is what the schools ought to be doing. And"think before acting" applies not only to Kimigayo but also to many other issues. For more than thirty years as a teacher, I have been telling my students, "Let us think first and then take an action. It should not be because everyone else is doing it or someone has told you to do it that you are doing it. Let us think with our own heads and then take an action." I myself have tried to demonstrate such a way of being. It has been said that man is a thinking reed. Humans are humans because they think. I sincerely hope that you all use your own heads to think and to act.

The same applies to so-called "common sense." Instead of dismissing an issue by saying "it is common sense," please continue to question and to think. Common sense changes over time and from society to society. Let me give you an example. When we now say "no wars," everyone would agree. But sixty some years ago, those who said that were put into prison.

I hope you will not blindly go along with the current. Please use your own heads to think and to act. In so doing, please live yourself fully. Thank you very much for the lovely year. Please take good care of yourselves.

Wednsday, April 18, 2007

2007-04-18T06:52:00.000+09:00

It was a cold day again, raining off and on. I headed to Minami Osawa Gakuen Special Needs School. In five minutes or so after I arrived around 7:45am, one of the vice-principals came out of the school building to watch over me.

When I was saying good morning to the staff members, teachers and students who were coming to school, this man walked up to me and stood right in front of me. "I am O, the principal," he said. "You are causing us trouble, standing here like this." On the morning of the entrance ceremony, he made a complaint to me about what I was doing. That was the first time I met him, and then, this was the second time. Since I still couldn’t recognize him, I carelessly said, "Oh, are you the principal?" Anyway, I asked him what the problem was exactly. But, instead of answering my question, he disappeared inside the school building. I asked the same question to the vice-principal who was standing next to me. "Some neighbours might say something," he said. "If that ever happens," I said, "please tell them to come and talk to me directly." I wonder, however, if there is any chance that people in the neighbourhood make a complaint about me. On such a quiet street where few people pass through?

The principal came out again and asked me if I had received documents mailed by the Administrative & Planning Office. "The School Office" in the Tokyo municipal schools has been called "the Administrative & Planning Office" since last year. It got a new big name now. "Since I have many things to ask them about, I will go up there myself later," I said. But he insisted that I should phone them if I had questions to ask. He repeated "please phone them" three times in a row without any pause, and left.

I’m not even allowed to talk directly to the staff in the Administrative & Planning Office that is located only 10 meters away from here. What a perfunctory and inhuman way it is! Just because I have been suspended, they treat me like this. When I just stood there in utter amazement, the principal, one of the vice-principals and two members from the Administrative & Planning Office came to see me, saying that they could talk here outside if I had something to say. How great… Could this be a common practice in the Tokyo municipal schools? It is obvious that this is ruled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, not by the principal. I wonder how this principal really feels, facing me here.

One mother who took her child to school is looking at the letters on the placard. "This is about me," I introduce myself and explain to her why I refuse to stand up for ‘Kimigayo’ and what kind of punishment I have been subjected to. "You've been punished this much, just because you didn’t stand up?" She is simply surprised. "I have stood up without any doubt so far. I have never thought about why we stand up," she said. I would be very happy if she could use this opportunity to start thinking about the issue.

This tall boy also looks at the placard and asks me what happened. "You know, they sing the national anthem at the graduation ceremony, but I didn’t stand up for that. Then I was told not to come to school until September." "I am so sorry," he says.

Since there are very few people who take this street, I startred reading right after the starting bell. Soon I see many groups of students coming out of the building one after another with their teachers. Some groups are running, and others are going for a walk. "See you later!" I say to them, and some students answer me or wave at me. Some of them ask my name, and I ask theirs, too. I see one group of students with aprons and napkins. I ask them what they are doing. "Coffee Shop," they say. They open a coffee shop for practical training every Wednesday in the building located in the park across the street. So I go to this coffee shop and ordered a cup of hot chocolate to warm up.

In the evening, I was interviewed by a French journalist. I was asked about 10.23 Directive* and following attacks and pressure by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. "If this kind of thing ever happened in France," the interviewer said, "the teachers would never remain indifferent. They would absolutely all take an action to protest against it. Why is the Japanese teachers’ union so quiet?" This difference between two countries must come from different education provided in two countries, I believe…

* 10.23 Directive is the order issued on October 23, 2003, by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to the principals of public schools in Tokyo. It provides a set of detailed instructions to be followed at school events such as graduation and entrance ceremonies, and they include requirements that all the teachers and staff MUST stand up facing the national flag and sing the national anthem during these ceremonies. It also makes it clear that disciplinary actions will be taken against those who refuse to abide by the order. These punishments include salary deductions and cancellation of rehiring contracts.

Friday, April 13, 2007

2007-04-13T01:07:00.000+09:00

Arrived at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office at 8AM. Handed out a leaflet to those who worked there, and, using a microphone, appealed to them for support of our cause. We're in the second year now since we started this campaign at the time I was suspended last year. There were nine of us including Ms Kawarai and myself. It is a little lonely with this group which is smaller than usual, but I am grateful that there are people who support us, who speak to us, and even who extend their hands for a handshake.
At Tokyo District Court from 10 AM, there was a scheduling conference on Tama Junior High School Incident (translator's note: for which Nezu has sued the Tokyo Government for a repeal of the pay cut in March, 2002.)
I headed for Kyoto in the afternoon. The purpose of the visit was to speak at the learning session to welcome the first year students at the university. After viewing a part of the movie "Against Coercion," I gave a speech, which continued to a question-and-answer period. At the end of the Q&A period, a new student with an angelic face spoke: "I was a student at Chofu Junior High School where you taught. You taught me Home Economics." He said his name. I studied his face. His face from three years earlier came back to me. Inadvertently, I uttered a squeal. It was surreal. He said he had happened to see the flier and came.
He said that when his classmates from school got together, my name always came up, and that I had taught them something very important, though they did not know it then. They said, "She was different from the other teachers. She was just amazing." He recalled my lessons as well. "Taste-testing wieners, dashi-broth, etc. It was surprising to have such lessons." He also added, "I will never forget the lessons with guest(s) who had special needs." As well, he said that he was concerned about me after the report of my suspension.
In order to send a message, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education revised its policy on transfer of teachers to one that would enable a transfer only after a year of appointment as well as a maximum of two-hour-commute one way (translator's note: Nezu claims that Tokyo Board of Education changed these rules so that she would have to change her workplaces often and bear the long commute). Sure enough, I was shipped out of Chofu Junior High School after a year. Yet, I am truly happy if, during that year at Chofu Junior High, my conduct, which was a little different from other teachers, inspired/touched some students even a little. To have taught there has significance. Thank you, students, for this wonderful reunion!

The graduation at Chofu Junior High in 2004 was the first one after the 10.23 Directive. One day just prior to the graduation ceremony, I had shared my thoughts with half of the graduating class who had the Home Economics lesson (it is offered only every other week) as to why I could not stand up during the national anthem. And on the day of the graduation, I remained seated.

A newspaper, in its evening edition, reported my feeling that I needed to "protest coercion" by not standing. The principal raged and yelled at me in front of all the teachers. One of my colleagues calmed him down. I received supporting messages from quite a few parents and students. In 2004, when the directive was issued, there were still many people who were uncomfortable with "coercion." Now, after three years, the situation is poles apart from what it was then. Times have changed.

Monday, April 9, 2007

2007-04-09T23:37:00.000+09:00

I went to Minamiosawa Gakuen School in the morning. I learned last night that the School's entrance ceremony was going to be held today, so I wrote a letter addressed to the parents. The letter contained my message of congratulations and my self-introduction. I handed out the letter to the parents in front of the school gates while greeting the students. Even though they had never met me before, many students greeted me back.

A little after I arrived in front of the school gates, the School principal approached me, accompanied by three other men (two vice-principals and a person from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education).

Principal: "Since it is a special day for the students and their families, please refrain from handing out your leaflets here."
Myself: "On what authority are you advising me that, please?"
Principal: "You are a public servant in the field of education. Am I right?"
Myself: "Are you giving me an administrative order? To someone on suspension?"
Principal: "You are a teaching staff at Minamiosawa Gakuen School. Am I right?" "I ask you for your cooperation."

Leaving me with just these words, he started back to the school building without showing any interest in listening to my response. The other three men, without uttering a single word, followed him in. My watch showed 7:42am.

After a while, the two vice principals came out to the school gates. When I asked them what they were here for, they answered they "always greet the students like this."

I headed for Tachikawa Daini Junior High School in the afternoon. By the time I arrived, the School's entrance ceremony was over and the last group of students and their families were starting home. I recognized some of the students and we exchanged greetings.

"Hello. It's been a long time since I last saw you," responded one student with a smile. Another student said: "I haven't seen you for a long time. Do you remember me? Are you involved in the "Kimigayo" issues again?" (My response: "Right. People may think it doesn't make sense, but I never give in however they may threaten me.) "Can you manage to make a living?" (My response: "Somehow I can.") Some students looked at me with a puzzled look, "Why are you here?"

I offered to take pictures for the incoming students and their families.

After the Junior High School students left, quite a few graduated students, who are now high school students, came along dressed in their new school uniforms. It was so nice to see them again.

Ms. A., who is now a student at a private high school, told me: "At my high school, no teachers stood up at the time of singing "Kimigayo. Even the principal didn't." Ms. B., who is now a student at a public high school said: "I didn't sing 'Kimigayo' at the entrance ceremony. I didn't want to sing it when I didn't know why we would sing it." She continued: "I don't know why other students didn't sing 'Kimigayo,' either, but, as far as I could tell, there weren't many students who were singing it. At the time of giving speeches of congratulations, a person from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education angrily told us to sing our national anthem properly." Ms. B was indignant at this person's remarks.

I even had a chance to see those who are now in the second year of high school. To my delight, there were some graduated students who juggled their schedule to make time to come and see me. Ms. C. was in rage with the fact that Ishihara had been elected to be the Governor of Tokyo for the third time. Ms. D. ran up to me and exclaimed, "Thank Goodness you are still here!"

Many of the graduated students told me they had read the newspaper article about my refusal to stand up and the consequent punishment. We hadn't spoken for about nine months, and how much these young people have grown and matured truly boggles me. There were many moments when I had my breath taken away and was moved deeply.

Ms. E., who is a graduate from Ishikawa Junior High School, and two other students came to see me. They gave me a boost of energy.

Monday, April 2, 2007

2007-04-02T14:50:00.000+09:00

Went outside the first thing in the morning. Midnight rain was almost gone, just misty rain here and there. Felt relieved. Today is the "first day to go to work" at Minamioawa Gakuen School for Children with Special Needs.

When I went to see the principal on the 30th, I asked him, "Please introduce me when you introduce new faculties and staff to everyone on the 2nd. I would also like to do my self-introduction at that time." But he replied, "I have to ask the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education". When I came home, I found a message on my fax machine, saying that he "confirmed with the Board of Education that the attendance is not allowed".
If he does not introduce me to others, I would become a "ghost" for 6 months, and I would not like that. After a lot of thinking, I decided to hand out a letter to the faculties and staff who came to work.

Arrived at the school gate at 7:40. Two of my friends came along with me. I introduced myself, saying "Good morning. I am Nezu. I start working here today. I am the one who is suspended for 6 month because of 'Kimigayo'". I handed out or tried to hand out my letter to each person.

I received comments like "I saw you in the newspaper. Good luck." "You represent our voice. Thank you very much." "I heard from a friend of mine that you've come here". These comments made me feel happy and that I was not alone. On the other hand, there were people who wouldn't reach out their hand to take the letter or refused to take it, saying "I will take it when you can come inside (the school)". Well, this is how a general public is like.

Shortly afterwards, two vice principals came to tell us to stop handing out letters. They probably thought it was their professional duty to stop me. But they were not persistent and went inside right away.

Today I "left work" in a short amount of time.

The following is the letter I handed out to my colleagues.

Dear faculties and staff at Minamiosawa Gakuen for Children with Special Needs,

My name is Kimiko Nezu. I was transferred to work here as of April 1st. You might have heard about me in newspaper reports on March 1st.
This year, 35 teachers were subject to disciplinary action because they did not stand up or refused to be an accompanist while Kimigayo was played/sung during graduation ceremonies in March. I got suspension from work for 6 months, so even if I am assigned to work here, I am not allowed to come inside. I asked the principal to let me introduce myself to you all, but "after confirming with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education"; he replied to me that he couldn't approve this.

Therefore, I would like to introduce myself by this letter. Please read until the end. Thank you very much and I look forward to working with you this coming year.

I am 56 years old who was born in 1950. My teaching subject is Home Economics. The first school was Oshima Junior High School in Koto-ward, but since my first child had asthma, we moved to Hachioji-city. Until my child's asthma got better, I taught in Hachioji for several years in elementary schools, and then taught at two junior high schools for ten years each. While teaching there, besides teaching my own subject, I also dedicated myself, along with my colleagues, to Peace Education. Those were fun-filled days.

In 2000, I was transferred from Hachioji-city to Tama-city, then after 2003, I was forced to transfer from Chofu-city to Tachikawa-city, then to Machida-city every one to two years.

Thus, I have no experience of working at a school for children with special needs, nor do I have much knowledge (of educating special needs children). Thus I must indulge your kindness, support and advice.

By the way, I am not given any more reprieves after this 6-month suspension. The next punishment will be dismissal. Unless the principal decided not to exercise his administrative order to ask people to stand up (while Kimigayo is sung), I would be dismissed. But I will keep saying that wrong is wrong and act upon my belief even if I might lose my job.

I believe that "Kimigayo" is in conflict with the Constitution's principle that the sovereignty of the nation resides in its people. I also think that the historical issues surrounding the issue of Kimigayo have not settled yet. But that is not the reason I do not stand up. The reason is I oppose any form of coercion, not just "Kimigayo".

I have always told my students in this way---"I would be glad to receive a rice cake if someone is simply giving it to everyone here. However, if everyone were forced to eat the rice cake, I would never eat it, even if I liked rice cakes. This is because it would violate a right of a person who would not want to eat. For the same reason, I am against (singing) Kimigayo.

The end result of coercion is fascism, the state of a society in which freedom and democracies are deprived. If we only recall what Japan went through 70 years ago, no one would approve this. This is my large premise (of my action).

In addition, I believe the fact that Tokyo Board of Education is pushing forward "Hinomaru & Kimigayo" is not only something that is against the principle of education, but also one that destroys education. Education should be about thinking together based on knowledge and material. Unless we give students an opportunity to form their own opinions, it is almost like training animals to merely order students to stand up and sing the song.
It is the same as the prewar militaristic education that drove children to go to war.

The way in which Tokyo Board of Education reinforces coercion by punishing disobedient teachers is like teaching students to "follow an order without thinking" and to "yield to the powerful". It is an unforgivable act to make children think according to the likes of today's government.

I have been educating the students so that they would be able to use their own head to think and to make their own judgment, and to "aspire for truth and peace" (as stipulated by the 1947 Fundamental Law of Education). Thus I cannot support what the Tokyo Board of Education is doing.

I have not had any contact with children at special needs schools so far, thus it may sound presumptuous of me to discuss (the relationship between) special needs schools and the issue of "Hinomaru-Kimigayo" (or "Kimigayo"). But there should not be any difference in reasons for education no matter who is receiving it. The important thing is not controlling (students) by coercion but encouraging them to express their feeling, and to think together and respect each other.

In Japanese society, there still exist prejudice and discrimination against people who are mentally challenged and have low educational degree (translator's note: so students in this school are likely to face these challenges in society). Thus I hope that in this school, children will learn to be proud of themselves and to be able to assert themselves. "Kimigayo" will be an obstacle for such a learning process.

I doubt that there are any teachers in Tokyo who support the Board of Education's coercion and punishment. There are also some principals who do not support the Education Board's order.

I decided, from my experience at a graduation ceremony two years ago, that I would never lie to myself again. I decided to start saying wrong is wrong. During the war, under the Peace Preservation Law, people (who did not obey) risked their lives, but now I do not see my life being threatened yet. I am 56 years old and do not have dependents. I do not have family responsibility. I can survive even if I receive disciplinary discharge. That is why I could make this decision (not to obey). Thus I would also like to raise a voice for younger colleagues who still have their future ahead and have families to take care of.

Even when I am suspended, I am not accepting this improper measure, and I am in a full spirit to work. So I will "go to work" all the way up to the school gates. I will visit three schools in turn: two in Tachikawa-City and Machida-city where I received "Kimigayo" punishment previously, and this school where I was supposed to start working today. I will also go to the Tokyo Board of Education to hold a protest.

I appreciate your understanding. I would be very happy if you could talk to me when you see me.

April 2, 2007
Kimiko Nezu
Address and phone #

Friday, February 23, 2007

2007-02-23T20:02:00.000+09:00

The rally in Nakano, Tokyo.