Osaka Network Against the Forced Use of the “Hinomaru and Kimigayo” 8th General Meeting and Commemorative Lecture

Protecting Human Rights and Freedom of Thought: A Joint Struggle

Since 2012, the Osaka Restoration Party’s Ordinance on the National Flag and Anthem has led to the disciplining of teachers for not standing at graduation and entrance ceremonies. A total of 64 teachers have been reprimanded, three have had their pay cuts, and some have been denied reappointment.

Osaka Net has continued its efforts to support those affected, including the ZAZA Group, in their fight to have disciplinary actions overturned at the prefectural and municipal personnel committees and in court. We have also negotiated with the prefectural and municipal boards of education, distributed flyers to students and parents, and held a rally against the 2.11 “National Foundation Day” event.

Furthermore, we have worked with those facing disciplinary action in Tokyo to appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and CEART (the Joint ILO/UNESCO Committee of Experts), successfully recommending to the Japanese government that the forced use of the “Hinomaru” and “Kimigayo” violates “freedom of thought and conscience.”

However, there have been moves to trample on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including stricter rules on daily raising and lowering of flags in schools and the memorization of the national anthem by children and students in Suita. We would like to learn about the legal battle being waged by Kansai Ready-Mixed Concrete and consider the direction of the joint struggle to protect lives and human rights.

Event Details

Osaka Network Against the Forced Use of the “Hinomaru and Kimigayo” 8th General Meeting and Commemorative Lecture

Date and Time: October 19, 2024 (Saturday) 18:00-20:30

Location: L Osaka Training Room 2, 3-14 Kitahama Higashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0031

Access: 5 minutes walk from Tenmabashi Station on the Keihan Line or Subway, 7 minutes walk from Kitahama Station on the Keihan Line

Map: https://x.gd/TUBg4

Content:

• General meeting: 18:00-18:30
• Commemorative Lecture: 18:30-20:00, Attorney Yuka Shibuya: “What we have learned from the Kamo Ready-Mixed Concrete Trial”
• Struggle reports: 20:00-

Participation Fee: Free

Organized by: Osaka Network Against Forced Use of the Hinomaru and Kimigayo

About the Speaker

Yuka Shibuya, Attorney at Law

Responsible for defense of those who did not stand for the national anthem and those who refused reappointment. Responsible for the defense of the Kansai Ready-Mixed Concrete Kyoto case and the Otsu case. Member of the Osaka Workers’ Lawyers Group.