'Shock' waving the Rising Sun flag, "What did I do wrong?" — the unreasonable attitude... Japan crosses the line with "Let's crush it at the national level" in response to the FIFA complaint

*This content was translated by AI.

'Support with the Rising Sun flag': Japanese media and netizens are instead making unreasonable claims and showing an unreasonable attitude.

'The World' reported on the 23rd that "support with the Rising Sun flag behind the Japanese national team's victory has sparked controversy in Korea."

On the 21st, Japan secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, Group F, held at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico. However, an unpleasant scene that tarnished the joy of the overwhelming victory was fully captured on the broadcast screen. A Japanese spectator was shown holding the Rising Sun flag and cheering from the stands.

The appearance of the Rising Sun flag at international sporting events is nothing new. It has caused controversy at major international tournaments including the World Cup, the Olympics, and the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Even before this tournament, a popular football YouTube channel video introducing the 48th participating nations was criticized after multiple scenes of support with the Rising Sun flag were exposed. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, FIFA itself stepped in to prohibit support with the Rising Sun flag.

However, Japanese media and netizens argue there is no problem at all. Instead, they claim the Rising Sun flag should be used even more boldly. The World reported, "Criticism was raised when a video of the local broadcast captured a Japanese supporter holding up the Rising Sun flag and cheering. Korean media strongly criticized the hidden display of the Rising Sun flag behind the praise for stand cleaning."

In an article on 'Yahoo Japan', Japanese netizen A stated, "I think it would be better for the Japan Football Association to file a complaint with FIFA, arguing that restricting the use of the Rising Sun flag is now an unfair act," and made the absurd claim that "some countries are raising claims about the Rising Sun flag with the purpose of harassing Japan." Surprisingly, the comment received over 16,000 recommendations and was posted as a best comment.

Another netizen, B, went further, saying, "Why not just file a lawsuit and settle it at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)? Let's get a judgment on whether an individual's subjective view that it reminds them of the Second World War can interfere with the national flag of an independent country or the flag of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. While we're at it, let's also file a lawsuit regarding the Takeshima (Dokdo) issue," showing the height of unreasonable behavior.

Moreover, mentioning North Macedonia, which uses a sun emblem similar to the Rising Sun flag, they mocked Korea by saying, "I wanted to see North Macedonia face Korea at the World Cup and wave the Rising Sun flag pattern."

Additionally, some netizens expressed regret, arguing, "Since it is a flag raised on a Self-Defense Force ship, the Japanese government should have asserted it boldly, and public opinion has gone astray." This is a historically distorted perception that forgets the history of past aggressive wars and shows no consideration for victim countries.

While unreasonable claims are being made in Japan, domestic authorities have taken practical action. Seong Kyung-deok Seong Sin-yeo-dae (Prof.) announced via his social media (SNS) that "I have sent a complaint email to FIFA." He pointed out, "Since the Rising Sun flag symbolizes Japanese militarism and imperialism, it should not be used on international stages like the World Cup," and "it is an act that reminds Asian football fans of the scars of war," urging FIFA to take active measures.

In response, Japanese netizens expressed resentment. Netizen C said, "There is no choice but for Japan to officially sue this professor at the national level. Unless we gather solid evidence and fully arm ourselves with theory to overwhelm them, this situation will continue," and continued the unreasonable attitude by adding, "If we don't crush them to the point where they feel sick, we will be subjected to groundless criticism for generations."

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*This content was translated by AI.