Diet debate on a government-proposed bill to recognize the Hinomaru as the national flag and "Kimigayo" as the national anthem began Tuesday with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi telling a Lower House plenary session that legal recognition would give the Japanese people the correct understanding of the national symbols.
Earlier in the day, New Komeito, which has often straddled the fence between the ruling and opposition camps, gave its formal nod to the bills — provided there is proper Diet debate, making it highly likely the bill will clear the legislature as early as mid- July.
New Komeito's support will give the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Liberal Party, its junior coalition partner, enough votes to secure passage of the bill during the current Diet session, which ends Aug. 13.