Education Article in Japanese newspaper(86)

     The Mainichi was an English edition newspaper printed by Mainichi Shinbun.  Maj. Pfile kept a copy of the Oct. 12, 1945 edition, from which the following article has been copied.

Free Discussions About Emperor Permissible, Says Education Chief

 Japanese Democracy to be Established

 Ousted Libralistic-Minded Professors to be Made to Return to Their Former Professions, statement is Made to Press

Education Minister Tamon Maeda, receiving the press for an interview on Wednesday, October 10, elucidated his new educational policy following the formation of the Shidehara Cabinet, mainly dwelling on the following points:

New Education Policy Elucidated

1.   Educational policy should be based on a Japanese-style democracy.
2.   Various theories concerning the Imperial Constitution ought to be freely discussed in so far as they are not contradictory to Article I of the Imperial Constitution.
3.   Criticism of the Emperor on the teacher's platform should not be allowed.
4.   As a matter of course, liberalistic-minded university professors should be recommended to return to their original academic profession.
5.   A large-scale personnel reshuffling is under contemplation for the eradication of militaristic education.
6.   Special consideration will be paid to the welfare of students and pupils.
     The Education Minister's statement was in substance as follows:
     It is needless to say that democracy in Japan must be a democracy a la japonnaise.  As regards the enhancement of democratic ideology in education, its fundamental idea is to be loyalty and filial piety.  In this regard I will make clear a new concrete policy before long and want to drive home its meaning in the hearts of the nation.
     While there are various questions arising with respect to the Emperor system, I think that in so far as the educational policy is concerned, the study of truth or the expression of frank views regarding the Imperial Constitution, be it the theory of "the Emperor as an Organ" or what it may, are only natural as long as they are not contradictory with Article I of the Imperial Constitution.  However, I do not want the Emperor to be criticized on the teacher's platform.
     There may be some questionable persons among the liberalistic-minded professors who were ostracized from academic circles, but I believe the majority of them ought to be made to return to their former profession.  Of course, this is only my personal opinion, for the question should be solved by autonomous schools themselves, and the Education Office has nothing to do with them.
     As regards my new education policy, I regret to say that educational circles are now in a chaotic state on account of the lack of a firm policy, but i am sure I can show a concrete policy for a new idea for education in the near future.
     The first requisite of my educational policy is to eliminate all tints and traits of militarism.  In order to go ahead along this line, I am ready to effect a large-scale personnel reshuffle in educated circles.
     Although I am deeply concerned over the welfare of students and pupils, to my great regret I cannot fine a good idea as yet to cope with it.  As students' food, clothing, and housing problems are very important in connection with their education, I intend to study ways and means for them in real earnest.  I also contemplate requesting the help of philanthropic persons from outside.

     Also included on the front page are three photos of American Occupation troops, a report about crop damage due to the heavy rains, details of the dismissal of 3000 police chiefs as demanded by the Allied General Headquarters, two short articles about the Nazi war trials, a report on the harakiri (ritual suicide) of the commander of one of the Japanese naval units, and an article about the first World Labor Union Conference in San Francisco.

     In a box at the bottom of the front page is the following:

Notice

A tabloid edition is being issued

today due to the stoppage of gas