Press translations [Japan]. Social Series 0161, 1946-01-11.

Summary:

Importance of Primary School Education.

Discussing the matter from the viewpoint of those to be educated, a peaceful and culture-loving attitude should be inculcated in them while they are attending primary schools. It is an undeniable fact that the present examination system is causing such evil consequences as to deprive the students of an interest in their lessons, or is cooling the warm relationship between teachers and students. Since every man has one merit at least, no one should be given up as a backward student, and the teacher must give everyone proper guidance.

Therefore, a plan should be drafted to make the students able to develop their abilities freely by abolishing the existing system of examinations. In the reconstruction of our country, we need, as much as possible, those who are masters of their arts. Therefore, it is advisable not to give equal importance to all lessons, but to consider the individual ability of students.

As for the better treatment of educators I propose that a part of the abolished military budget be applied for the purpose of paying teachers. The improvement of educators salaries is a most urgent problem to be solved as quickly as possible.

It is also necessary to arouse political interest among educators. They can send their own delegates to the parliament if only they get together. It is not only a problem affecting the interests of educators themselves, but also enables them to contribute to the national administration simply because they are educators. In addition to this, if they can acquire a firm position in the local administration by becoming members of local self-governing assemblies, a new world of bright and generous education would be developed. Furthermore, when the Labor Union Law is enforced, a unified Educators' Union should be organized in order to improve the educators position.

The Birth of New Culture in the Province of HYUGA.

Culture does not mean mere literature and art alone. The level of culture moans the level of morality, intellect, and scientific knowledge of individuals. It exists equally in urban districts and rural communities, though it varies in its standards.

The Province of HYUGA resembles DENMARK or SWEDEN in that it has a vast area of farm lands and an abundance of hydroelectric power facilities. It would not be difficult to secure for HYUGA the honor of being a representative district of peaceful and cultural JAPAN, if education were popularized and the intellect and the

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scientific knowledge of the prefectural population were developed. There is one thing, however, we must be careful about. That is the slow and easy-going nature of HYUGA people. Since the arrival of Governor AIKAWA at his post, HYUGA has shown increased activity, but only in a comparative sense. It is urgently necessary, there-fore, to overcome these defects by mutual effort. Along with the progress of education, if we endeavor to increase our earnest endeavours we may possibly win honors as the creators of new culture in the Province of HYUGA.

Summary:

The teachers of the YAMAGATA Middle School have not been able to live on their present salaries, so they have made a semi-compulsory monetary collection from the parents of each student in the name of ENDO representative of the Parents' Association, fixing the lowest contribution at 50 Yen. It is not clear, whether this decision was made by the teachers, some of the parents, or the students. The fact is, however, that there are many parents who cannot afford such a contribution. The proper course would have been to discuss a revision of the teachers' salaries with the prefectural office and if necessary arrange a public collection. This regrettable individual action has, however, already set a precedent which other elementary and middle schools are following. The most surprising fact is that the prefectural office remains silent about the whole matter.

Summary:

The people of TOKYO were astonished at reading of a group of 13 burglars arrested recently, for the list included names of four former members of the Naval Special Attack Corps (KAIGUN TOKKOTAI).

When the OKINAWA air campaign was in progress, a YOMIURI HOCHI correspondent was a naval reporter at SHIKAYA Airfield at KAGOSKUIA where the criminal AWOKI, Yoshiie was stationed as a member of TOKKOTAI. The reporter said, "Even now I cannot imagine any former member of the Corps as a burglar. Facing death, they of the TOKKOTAI were all quiet and brave men. Once I observed them innocently singing a merry song arid upon seeing so wonderful a sight, I could not help but report them as divine." He continued, "AWOKI grasped the hand of his comrade who was going out to die, saying that he would go out tomorrow after him."

"At that time, army headquarters received a note from Prince MIKASA stating that the special (TN: Suicide) attacks were proving a failure and this only proved the paucity of scientific knowledge among the Japanese. In fact, suspicious of the inefficiency of the special attack had gradually grown among the members of the TOKKOTAI, as well as among high ranking officers in various airfields. However, day and night, many young members of the Corps flew away into the sky never to return.

"Thus a great number died in vain fighting for the fatherland. Apparently, the death of the TOKKOTAI was a compulsory one. He continued, "One morning during those days, I met a young

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corpsman less than 20 years old. The youth forecasted the future of JAPAN because of the degradation of the character of the high ranking officers and the evil acts of the bureaucrats and capitalists. The youngster died for the sake of the fatherland criticizing the war. But if he were living now, he would be a prominent figure in this democratic revolution.

"After the end of the war, those of the TOKKOTAI who remained alive returned to their homes. AWOKI returned to his home and found his family having a hard time of it. He was forced to leave home and came to TOKYO to become a policeman. But, in TOKYO, he thought that money was the only way to rescue him from his miserable condition, so ho entered into the evil circle."

Ho added, "He paid for it in a police cell so that now he would be happy ad he died during the war."

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