Japan Criminalizes Flag Desecration

The Japanese parliament has passed a law introducing criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag. This is one of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's legislative priorities, and the government argues that while Japan has long punished the desecration of foreign flags, its own national flag did not have similar legal protection, according to Nikkei Asia.

The new legislation provides for a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen ($1,230) for intentionally damaging or defiling the flag in a manner that causes strong public outrage.

Lawmakers have included acts such as burning, cutting, trampling or defiling the flag among possible offenses.

Critics, including the opposition and some legal experts, warn that the law may restrict freedom of expression and that its wording leaves room for arbitrary interpretation. The law also includes a provision to review its implementation after approximately three years.

(mja)