JAPAN'S ruling coalition agreed today to revise education laws to promote patriotism in schools, a taboo since World War II. The proposal has triggered opposition among liberals including Japan's teachers' association, which say it is reminiscent of the nationalism seen in Japan before and during the war. "Everybody has patriotism. It's a natural feeling," Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said in support of the Bill.Senior officials of Koizumi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, New Komeito, reached the accord to revise the Fundamental Law of Education, an official said.
If approved by Parliament, where Mr Koizumi's coalition holds a strong majority, it would be the first revision since the law was enacted in 1947. Patriotism would be listed as an educational goal and defined as "an attitude which respects tradition and culture, loves the nation and homeland that have fostered them, and contributes to international peace and development".
The current education law, which was enacted under the US occupation, stipulates the need for compulsory schooling and equal opportunities, carefully avoiding any mention of patriotism.
Mr Koizumi, who steps down in September, has championed the shedding of post-war taboos. His coalition is seeking to revise the US-imposed 1947 constitution to declare that Japan has a military, although the country would remain officially pacifist.