Japan's leading newspaper Mainichi reported Tuesday that the teaching experience and knowledge of Japanese middle school history teachers must be respected in the process of the revision of the controversial history textbooks.

The paper pointed out in its editorial that it would be a serious mistake to revise the textbooks to the exclusion of the history teachers because they are the ones who use the books and it is natural to respect their experience and opinion.

The Manichi Shimbun's article draws keen attention as the rightist groups in Japan are reported to have been deeply involved in lobbying activities to adopt the textbooks which are gravely distorted.