National Anthem etiquette

[seanachie]

When I was in Japan, I would always stand and face the Japanese flag during the playing of the Kimigayo, but I would not sing with those present, as I didn't feel it would be appropriate. Plus, there was (and still is) a LOT of political contention about playing the anthem at official school events. The two sides are very polarized and I didn't wish to make a political statement one way or the other.

JIM: I am not asking for a position, just a neutral explanation, but why would playing a National Anthem at a school event be controversial? One would think that good citizenship would be core to a school's mission. It seems a bit different. Something akin to a Japanese variation of Church and State?

P.S. I hope you don't find it disrespectful but as an avid hockey fan I routinely join in "O Canada", and by complete happenstance was in a New Zealand pub some years ago when a rugby tournament was on. Team members and supporters from the different nations spontaneously, and with the aid of a few pints, started each singing their national anthems. The sole Canuck, started to falter as he sang solo, with great chagrin, after other nations had numerous participants so I helped out to finish for which he was extremely grateful.

[CDNSushi]

Hey Seanachie,

No, not at all... The matter of Japan's national anthem (called, "Kimigayo") is a very complex issue and not readily understood at first glance. Unlike other countries where it would be completely acceptable to sing the national anthem at an official school function such as a graduation or opening ceremony, the symbolism runs deeper with the Japanese.

Without this post getting too verbose, I'll try to simplify it the best I can.

After WWII, the Kyokujitsu-ki (rising sun) flag with the sun's rays emanating from the centre, was banned by the U.S. occupying forces, and the Hinomaru (red sun disc) flag was declared the de facto official (even though it did not become so until 1999 when it was entrenched into Japanese law by the government). But even then, Japanese flags in general, and the displaying thereof, were restricted and highly discouraged. This was due to the close association with Japan's militarism and imperialism. (But restrictions were eased in later years). Still to this day, the rising sun flag with the rays is Japan's official naval ensign, (much to the ire of her other Asian neighbours).

However, unlike the flag, the playing of the Kimigayo was NOT restricted in any way after the war, so it became almost a silent, sly protest against their military defeat, as it was played in schools all over the country and children were taught to sing it in an effort to promote patriotism and nationalism, and bolster the nation's self-defense military. Many Japanese, ashamed by their wartime past, and well aware of the sensitivity of the issue, especially schoolteachers, began refusing to play the Kimigayo for official assemblies. At least part of their argument was based in the fact that Kimigayo WAS NOT Japan's official national anthem. And they were correct -- historically speaking, Japan never had one. In schools it was always "desirable but not required" to play it, although many municipalities made up their own rules and requirements, and did make it mandatory, despite the national directives stating otherwise.

Even though the lyrics of the anthem are not inflammatory by themselves, (they are quite beautiful and poetic, actually), you have to start reading between the lines (something Japanese people do a lot). Translated poetically, they mean this:

Thousands of years of happy reign be thine;
Rule on, my lord, until what are pebbles now
By ages united to mighty rocks shall grow
Whose venerable sides the moss doth line.

(transliterated Japanese original)

Kimigayo wa
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni
Sazare-ishi no
Iwao to narite
Koke no musu made


They are an ancient text, taken from a Waka poem written in the Heian period (794–1185).

They are meant to pay homage to the Emperor... And this reverence of the Emperor and a blind faith/following of this man-deity is regarded by many, both Japanese and foreign, as being at least in part responsible for Japan's past militarism... The contrary opinion holds, that the lyrics are not directly for the Emperor, but in reverence of the Imperial Household, collectively and generally speaking, as a representation of the spirit of Japan, and the Japanese people themselves.


Finally, the whole thing came to a head in February 1999, when Toshihiro Ishikawa, the principal of Sera High School in Hiroshima, commit suicide the night before the school's official graduation ceremony. The board of education had been embroiled in a dispute with the teachers' union and Ishikawa was caught in the middle. As principal, he was charged with enforcing the policy that both flag and anthem MUST be displayed and played, while the entire body of staff vehemently opposed. Unable to sway the teachers' opinion, Ishikawa took his own life.

Almost immediately after this incident, politicians took quick notice, and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi drew up legislation to make the Kimigayo Japan's OFFICIAL national anthem, and the Hinomaru the OFFICIAL flag. Originally it was set to pass through the Diet in 2000, but Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hiromu Nonaka, insisted it be enacted in November 1999, just in time for the anniversary of Emperor Akihito's coronation. (You can only IMAGINE how that went over with Japan's neighbours)...

Since then, not much has changed. Many are still vehemently opposed, and others are staunchly in favour, and the split is far from clear. Lawsuits involving the mandatory playing of the anthem continue to this day, and results are also equally muddy. In Tokyo, teachers are not required to stand during the playing, as they argued it was unconstitutional to order them to do so. The Tokyo High Court agreed. While in Osaka teachers are required to stand, following a failed challenge to the Supreme Court, Osaka's Prefectural Assembly passed an ordinance making standing during the anthem mandatory. So no clear victories...


Changing topics then, no I do not find ANY problem with anyone wishing to sing O Canada. It's a lovely anthem, and I myself know several, which I will readily sing with my friends of other nationalities. My particular favourites include: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, the Marseillaise, Kde domov můj?, and Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.

[seanachie]

Jim, Thanks for the detailed explanation very interesting information. I had some inclination that some of these issues were in play.
Great to have someone who can contribute knowledgeably on a culture that is different from my own.

[Kiltboy]

.... I hope you don't find it disrespectful but as an avid hockey fan I routinely join in "O Canada", ...

That brings back memories. As a hockey stadium Usher, we, and the fans always stood for each national anthem. And since there were always a few Canadians seated in my section, I would ask beforehand if they needed an extra voice. They answer was always a big smile with a "yes". No matter how loud we sang, we could never drown out the pipe organ.