 This was different from the regulations issued that restricted the use of the "Hinomaru" flag.Along with the encouragement to use "Kimigayo" in the schools to promote defense education and patriotism, the national broadcaster NHK began to use the song to announce the start and ending of its programming.The "Act on National Flag and Anthem" was passed in 1999, choosing both the "Hinomaru" and "Kimigayo" as Japan's national symbols.