An official sign prohibiting the display of Japan's Rising Sun flag was erected at the baseball stadium for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games but was removed just one day later.
On September 28, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University shared this news via his social media. According to reports from Taiwanese media and photos he posted, a sign banning the Rising Sun flag and Taiwan's Blue Sky with a White Sun flag was placed at the entrance of Okazaki Civic Stadium on September 26, the day of a baseball game between Taiwan and Japan.
The sign featured images of both flags and stated in Japanese, English, and Chinese that the flags were not allowed inside the stadium.
However, the sign was reported to have been taken down the following day. Currently, there is no explanation on the official website of the Asian Games organizing committee regarding the reason for its removal.
Despite the removal of the official sign, Professor Seo emphasized the significance of the initial prohibition. He stated, "Even though it disappeared after just one day, the fact that 'Rising Sun flag prohibited' was written on an official Asian Games sign is very meaningful. It can serve as a good precedent for preventing the display of the Rising Sun flag at future international sporting events."
Professor Seo also reported on the reactions of Japanese netizens, noting that many have expressed their dissatisfaction by sharing photos of the sign on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The Rising Sun flag is a symbol of Japan's past imperialism and militarism. Controversies surrounding its use have arisen during major international sporting events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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