The Tokyo metropolitan board of education started a mandatory training program Monday for teachers who have been reprimanded for failing to stand up and sing the national anthem during school ceremonies.
Some of the teachers called for a court injunction against the program in mid-July, saying it violates their individual rights to freedom of belief and thought.
While the Tokyo District Court turned down the request for the injunction on July 23, saying the specifics of the program were unclear, it noted, "Should an identical training program be forced repeatedly (on teachers) and their freedom of thought infringed upon, it may violate the Constitution or law."