The government hopes to submit a bill during the current Diet session to officially recognize the Hinomaru as the national flag and "Kimigayo" as Japan's anthem, Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said Wednesday.

Obuchi told the Upper House Budget Committee that he hopes the bill will be submitted for deliberation before the current session ends in mid-June.

The government decided last week to study legislation to officially recognize the Hinomaru (Sun Flag) and "Kimigayo," the de facto anthem, as national symbols.