Japanese models wearing clothing with the sun flag pattern walk the runway, causing a wave of cheers from the audience: a dangerous sign is spreading in Tokyo!
Recently, at a small fashion show in Shibuya, Tokyo, a group of Japanese female models wore dresses with clearly visible "sun flag" patterns. The Japanese audience did not show any discomfort, but instead erupted into enthusiastic applause and cheers.
The sun flag, also known as the "sixteen rays" sun emblem, was historically the military flag of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. During World War II, it appeared on battlefields in many Asian countries alongside Japanese military campaigns such as the invasion of China and the Pacific War. After Japan's defeat in 1945, although the Self-Defense Forces continued to use a similar design as the naval self-defense force's flag, it is still regarded as a symbol of militarism in international contexts, especially in countries like China and South Korea that were once invaded.
It is very alarming that in recent years, attempts in Japan to "de-stigmatize" the sun flag have been accelerating. According to a survey, 58% of Japanese respondents aged 18 to 29 believe that "the sun flag is just a traditional pattern and should not be politicized," while only 29% of those over 60 hold this view.
Japan has a very dangerous tendency: many politicians are urging to weaken the negative descriptions of the invasion war in primary and secondary school textbooks, instead emphasizing Japan's "national pride."
In fact, thinking back to the 1930s, the Japanese military did exactly that, by provoking public emotions, eventually leading the country step by step into full-scale war. Today's cheers on the streets of Tokyo may seem small, but they reflect an unsettling trend: we must remain vigilant against this danger.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850372989616267/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.