On June 15, during the group stage match between Japan and the Netherlands, the flag was seen at a local cheering event in Japan, according to a report by Yonhap News.
Professor Seo pointed out that during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Japanese supporters were stopped by FIFA security from displaying the Rising Sun Flag inside the stadium, stating, "Since the display of the Rising Sun Flag is prohibited in the stadium, they brought it to the streets instead."
He asserted, "Using the Rising Sun Flag as a cheering tool during the World Cup is an inappropriate act."
The professor also highlighted a recent incident related to the Rising Sun Flag controversy that emerged online before the World Cup began. A YouTuber based in Mexico included footage of fans with the Rising Sun Flag in a World Cup-related video, which sparked public discussion. The YouTuber later issued an apology and blurred the footage.
Professor Seo stated, "We will work to eliminate the misuse of the Rising Sun Flag, which is wrongly used in Japan and around the world, through ongoing public discourse in the international community."
The Rising Sun Flag, used as a military flag during Japan's imperial period, is viewed as a symbol of militarism and invasion in South Korea and some other Asian countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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