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In schools throughout Japan, patriotism has been making its way back into the daily routine. But not all in the island nation are united in their views on how or even if schools should foster "love of one's country," as required under the revised national course of study.

Revisions to the document that guides what all Japanese students learn kicked in at the start of school in April 2002. The patriotism measure encourages lessons for 3rd and 4th graders that nurture an appreciation of Japanese culture and history, as well as awareness of the nation's role in the international community. ( "North Wind Bows to the Rising Sun," Sept. 25, 2002.)

And in more than 170 of the nation's 24,000 public and private elementary schools, children are now being graded on how well they have learned those values, according to a recent survey by The Asahi Shimbun ,...