When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet approved the use of the Imperial Rescript on Education last month as teaching material in schools, it ignited an emotional debate that is not likely to die down anytime soon. Although the issue involves a 19th century Imperial edict in Japan, a battle no less intense is taking place in the United States.
To understand the similarities, it's necessary to put the issue in proper context. Patriotism in both Japan and the U.S. means love of country. Despite its politically incorrect connotation today, it's essential in any democratic society. It promotes such acts as voting, enlisting in the military, and participating in social movements.
The Diet's unanimous declaration in 1948 that the edict was null and void was understandable in light of history. Japan had only three years earlier surrendered, putting an end to World War II. The edict's positioning of the emperor over his "subjects" was seen as inherently antithetical to the new democratic society being established.