Scholars from Japan, South Korea and China warned against a resurgence of nationalism in Japan when they gathered at a symposium on history textbooks and related issues this week in Tokyo.
Satoshi Uesugi, a lecturer at Kansai University and secretary general of the Center for Research and Documentation on Japan's War Responsibility, told the gathering that a group of nationalist historians who compiled a contentious history textbook in 2001 and others established a new organization in January to lobby for revision of the Fundamental Law of Education.
An advisory panel to the education ministry is currently working on a report on possible amendments to the law that may include suggestions to add, among other things, a focus on patriotism and respect for the nation's traditional culture as important matters to be taught at schools. The final report is expected to be submitted to the ministry before the end of March.