Politics and History in Japan: Rising Sun Flag

Picture from November 4, 2019. Location: Yasukuni Museum gift shop

I could write a whole book about all the issues regarding Yasukuni Shrine. In fact, I have discussed it at length in several essays. More than the shrine itself, I would like to consider the usage of the rising sun flag and its relation to nationalism. 

Japan's national flag is very simple. The rising sun flag is aesthetically prettier, in my opinion. However, there is a dark history behind this flag. It stands for Japan's imperialistic past and is often utilized in a nationalistic (and subsequently racist and exclusionary) manner. Protestors in front of the South Korean Embassy in Azabu would often have the rising sun flag. The interesting thing about this symbol is that in Japanese society, it is simply not abhorred as strongly as, for example, Nazi symbols in Germany or the confederate flag in the United States. Perhaps this flag does not stand for such extreme things, but in a way, it also does. Japan has not had a pretty past, to say the least. 

There is little shame surrounding the usage of this flag, despite the criticism from other East Asian countries that have a very negative view of this flag. While Yasukuni is certainly a problematic shrine with the enshrinement of war criminals, it still surprised me to see these things sold in the gift shop. Why is there such little stigma surrounding this flag (especially compared to Nazi symbols)? People were there in the museum as if that were "real history" and there was nothing wrong with victimizing war criminals. 

All countries skew history, and Japan is certainly not unique in that aspect. History books often frame the imperialistic conquests of Japan as something much prettier than they were. There is a massive victim complex in this country; while there is no doubt that Japan has been victimized, it has also done great harm in the world. Germany has banned Nazi symbols. What has Japan done but sweep the issues about Korean "comfort women" under the rug? South Korea has voiced its issues with the flag, but it still remains prominent today, whether it be in sporting events or in racist protests. 

This certainly shows how Japan still has a long way to go. This flag inevitably stands as a symbol of oppression for those once oppressed and is used by nationalists in that way as well. It was the military flag, and it continues to be used by the navy. Japan has many things to atone for, this issue being one of the most important. The public needs to understand the real history behind this flag, Japan's imperialism, and the issue of "comfort women". It should not be okay for racists to wave this flag at the South Korean Embassy. People should be outraged, not waving this flag around at sporting events and just shrugging when they see people waving the flag and telling Koreans to "go back to their country". I for one hate what this flag has come to represent, and I wish Japan would take accountability for its mistakes and, let's face it, crimes. 

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