Foreign media: Japan's parliament has passed a controversial law imposing criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag, "Nisshōmaru," part of Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi's push for traditional patriotism.
The new law stipulates that anyone who publicly damages, removes, or defiles the national flag in a way causing others "extreme discomfort or revulsion" may face up to two years in prison or a fine of 200,000 yen (approximately $1,250), covering acts such as trampling, burning, throwing waste, and live-streaming the act—but drawings, anime, video games, generative AI content, and small flags used as children's meal decorations are exempted.
Critics argue that the term "discomfort" is ambiguous and could threaten constitutionally protected freedom of speech. Over 150 scholars have jointly signed a statement opposing the law, expressing concern about its potential suppression of political expression. Scholars also point out that the flag lacks democratic symbolic meaning for some people due to Japan's history of aggression.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870973445775360/
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