Huh. That’s interesting; thanks for the info. I’m glad to have my knowledge expanded.
Doesn’t say anything about Canada or anyplace in Africa, though; and discusses this as being a mostly a recent phenomenon, controversial, and “a lot less common”; which doesn’t match to me with “it used to be nearly universal.” From the article:
It is not unusual for nations of the world to value their national anthems and hold the tune and words sacred, and to follow a traditional code of conduct when it’s played, usually of standing, to show respect and patriotism. To enforce this conduct with legal or criminal consequences, however, is a lot less common. Yet, it has become glaringly noticeable in some notable Asian regimes in the recent years.
I’m reminded of a scene in Gandhi where the titular Mahatma, in the midst of a controversial assembly, starts singing God Save the King, and the British representatives who are theoretically there to stop him from engaging in rebellion find themselves compelled to rise from their chairs and salute.
This is my situation exactly(except my company is not Japanese). The (many) emails they send to solicit contributions all say “voluntary” but they keep track of you and demand a reply even if you do not contribute. Over the years I’ve somewhat grudgingly given a small amount but this year I donated my time instead. So, in answer to the OP, I vote “partially comply”. I’m not in a financial position to risk my job so the cause would have to be really objectionable for me to all out refuse.
I can afford to quit my job. I’d tell my boss that I’d never comply with that. Unless the participation was of an extremely mild form, the same would be true even for positions I agree with.
But it would never get to that, because if all my colleagues were in opposition to me on some important stance, I’d have left the workplace long ago.