Twenty-eight prefectures and four specially designated cities had all their public elementary, junior high and high schools hoist the Hinomaru and sing "Kimigayo" during graduation and entrance ceremonies this spring, the Education Ministry said Friday.

Aomori, Saitama and Ishikawa and the city of Hiroshima achieved 100 percent compliance for the first time, ministry officials said.

According to the ministry, 99 percent of elementary schools, 98.6 percent of junior high schools and 98.8 percent of high schools displayed the Hinomaru during their graduation ceremonies.