TOKYO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Cabinet approved on Friday a controversial bill to revise its 1947 Fundamental Law of Education. The revisions emphasize "patriotism" in educational goals which some critics fear might lead to nationalism.

    The revised bill adds calls for "public spirit and respect for tradition," and a newly defined notion of "patriotism" in one article as "an attitude which respects tradition and culture, loves the nation and homeland that have fostered them, respects other countries and contributes to international peace and development."

    The current education law, enacted shortly after the end of World War II, says in its preamble that Japan's education must respect individual dignity, aim at raising people who will aspire for truth and peace, and seek universal and characteristic culture.

    Conservatives support the revision of law to stress a spirit of "patriotism" in educational goals while critics argue that it might cultivate a generation of nationalists.

    The amendment bill is to be submitted to the parliament. However, it is not certain whether it can pass both houses during the 150-day regular Diet session due to adjourn on June 18, Kyodo News said.

    The current Fundamental Law of Education consists of 11 articles. The revised one, containing 18 articles, deletes the specification that compulsory education should be for nine years, and adds articles on "lifelong learning, home education and a basic plan for promotion of education", among other changes. Enditem