Patriotism Bill Approved in Japan

Protesters clench their fists during a rally against a renewed education bill outside the national Diet session in Tokyo, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006. Japan's lower house of parliament on Thursday approved a legal reform bill that would require schools to instill "a love of one's country" in children. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the New Komeito, want to revise Japan's post-World War II education law to boost patriotism among the young. The placards read "Against education bill," left, and "Against Education under government control." (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa) (Junji Kurokawa - AP)

TOKYO -- Parliament's lower house approved legislation Thursday requiring schools to instill patriotism in Japan's children.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the New Komeito, want to revise Japan's post-World War II education law to boost patriotism among the young. With the bloc dominating both legislative chambers, Thursday's passage makes the bill's amendment almost certain.

The revision, a centerpiece of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative agenda, is strongly opposed by opposition lawmakers, who boycotted Thursday's lower house vote.

The 1947 education law has helped raise national education standards, boost Japan's economy and promote democracy, but has "largely neglected nurturing morality, ethics and discipline," Abe said in his latest weekly Web magazine, published Thursday.

"Everyone shares a sense of crisis, and strongly feels the need to rebuild education," he said.

The bill is also designed to strengthen coordination among schools, families and communities, while stressing the importance of parental guidance and introducing lifelong learning opportunities. The upper house must approve the bill in a separate vote, expected next month.

Because of the bill's emphasis on morality, ethics and patriotism, some opponents compare it to the 1890 Imperial Rescript of Education, which the wartime leaders forced all schoolchildren to memorize and recite before the portrait of the emperor.

The Rescript, which demanded loyalty to parents, respect for the laws and self-sacrifice for the emperor, was banned by the U.S. occupation forces after Japan's war defeat. It was abolished in 1948.