The House of Representatives Cabinet Committee conducted hearings Tuesday in Sapporo and Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, on the government-proposed bill to recognize the Hinomaru as the national flag and "Kimigayo" as the anthem.
At both venues, scholars and education officials presented their views regarding the proposed legislation.
In Okinawa, which suffered heavy casualties during World War II, Kosei Yonemura of the Okinawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was "a fact" that there is a sense of incompatibility toward the national flag and anthem among Okinawans who had experienced the war.
But he said he supported the bill, saying it was natural and important to have respect for a flag and anthem that represent the sovereignty of the country.
On the other hand, Hiroaki Fukuchi, head of a human rights group, urged the committee not to forget the concerns aired by other parts of Asia, and noted a national consensus is an absolute condition for legal recognition.
He added he was concerned that reverence toward the Hinomaru and "Kimigayo" would also be pushed upon citizens in the home as well as at school.