Teachers who fail to guide students "appropriately" during ceremonies involving the Hinomaru and "Kimigayo" can face disciplinary action, an Education Ministry official said Monday.
Shigenori Yano, who heads the ministry's Local Education Support Bureau, made the comment during an Upper House panel debate on legislation that would officially make the Hinomaru the national flag and "Kimigayo" the anthem.
"Teachers who do not obey (the instructions set in the ministry's courses of study) can be punished under the Local Public Service Law," Yano said.