History behind the Rising Sun Flag, what does it represent?

Have you seen the Rising Sun symbol? Do you know what it means? The Rising Sun flag has been brought to issue as recently as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Japanese government not banning this flag for this event sparked outrage as the Republic of Korea formally requested this flag to be banned to the International Olympic Committee. This flag represents painful memories amongst many Asian countries.

 

The flag was originally flown by feudal warlords in the 1600’s. However in the late 1800’s, it was adopted into the Japanese Imperial Army. This is the beginning of how the symbol of this flag shifted into a war flag and a symbol similar to that of the Nazi regime. The Imperial Military claimed this flag and used it during World War Ⅱ when committing atrocities. It became a flag of war and of imperialism. Japan, during World War Ⅱ, similar to Germany had the main objective of gaining as much power and land as possible. This can be seen in the ways Japan invaded China, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and many others. With this invasion came many crimes against humanity that the Japanese government refuses to acknowledge 75 years after the war. All of this occurred while the Rising Sun Flag was being flown thus represented those who had committed these crimes. This flag became a symbol of Japanese imperialism and holds a dark history behind it.

 

Along with the lack of accountability for their participation in their crimes in World War Ⅱ, the Japanese government had now stated to attach this flag into normal day society. It is included on products, clothing, media, etc. The government has also pushed that the flag means the sun to the people and the global community, pushing this new clean narrative to essentially cleanse its historical symbolism of this flag. The explanation by the foreign ministry gives a historical overview of the flag but, fails to mention it being a symbol of the Japanese military in World War Ⅱ. The government’s allowance of history to be manipulated and allow this flag to be flown has allowed groups such as the Zaitokukai to use this flag as their symbol. The Zaitokukai has been compared to the Neo-Nazis. They are an Anti-Korean hate group. They have used the Rising Sun Flag at their rallies targeting Korean schools, Korean-Japan couples, etc.

 

The Rising Sun Flag just like the Confederate flag of the U.S and the Nazi Swastika all have a horrible history attached to them. Along with Japan’s denial of certain actions that they had participated in World War Ⅱ, the flying of the flag is another example of Japan being disrespectful. It is a symbol of them being proud of their military history and you can not separate that from the crimes of World War Ⅱ. This flag will continue to be a painful reminder for many in East and Southeast Asia, if Japan avoids its responsibility towards the dark history behind the flag.