The Asian Games, which promote peace and unity in Asia, are once again facing controversy as the Rising Sun flag, a symbol of Japanese militarism, made an appearance.
During the mixed team judo final between Japan and Kazakhstan at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya on October 3, some Japanese spectators waved the Rising Sun flag to support their national team.
A judo official confirmed the incident and requested the organizing committee to take action, but reports indicate that the committee did not respond significantly.
The Rising Sun flag was used during Japan's imperialist and militaristic expansion and is viewed as a symbol of historical trauma by countries in Asia, including Korea and China, which experienced Japanese invasion and colonial rule.
Major international sporting events, including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Asian Games, typically restrict the entry of political expressions and symbols into venues.
However, the use of the Rising Sun flag has repeatedly sparked controversy at international sports events held in Japan.
This is not the first instance of noise surrounding the Rising Sun flag at this tournament.
On September 26, prior to a game between Japan and Taiwan at the Okazaki Central Comprehensive Park baseball stadium in Aichi Prefecture, a notice prohibiting the entry of the Rising Sun flag and the Taiwanese flag (Blue Sky with a White Sun) was posted at the venue entrance. However, this notice was removed the next day.
Following this, the organizing committee stated that the prohibition notice was due to a misunderstanding on-site and apologized, which further fueled the controversy. The committee asserted, "The Rising Sun flag is not subject to prohibition."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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