To our Korean friends,
South Korea began strongly objecting to the Rising Sun Flag around 2012. The trigger was the 2011 Asian Cup: when Korean player Ki Sung-yueng was criticized for a racist "monkey face" gesture toward Japanese people, he deflected by claiming he "cried" upon seeing the flag. Before this, it was not a major issue. Korean media then amplified criticism, and the term "war criminal flag" emerged at that time — a clear attempt to shift focus from their own racism.
The Rising Sun Flag is not exclusively a WWII symbol. It has ancient roots in Japan, used for celebrations, and by fishermen on "tairyō-bata" good-catch flags long before modern wars. It differs fundamentally from the Nazi swastika.
Japan’s JMSDF continues to fly it officially on vessels. Even when entering Chinese ports, it rarely causes major issues. Objections come almost exclusively from South Korea.
Korea should revise its historical perspective, recognize accurate facts, and stop fabricating or selectively politicizing history. Mutual understanding benefits both nations.
(Fact-based summary. Open to constructive dialogue.)