Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi oversees the passage of a new law in Japan that imposes criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag.
Japan’s parliament has enacted a law establishing criminal penalties for those who publicly damage, remove, or defile the national flag. Under the new legislation, violators who cause "extreme discomfort or disgust" to others face up to two years in prison or a fine of 200,000 yen. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi introduced the law to promote traditional patriotism and address a legal double standard where foreign flags were previously protected from desecration while the national flag was not. The law covers physical acts like burning or stomping the flag, as well as livestreaming such actions. To ensure practical use, the ruling party exempted digital media, anime, and the miniature paper flags used in children's meals. While supporters view the law as a way to honor the Hinomaru, critics argue the vague wording regarding "discomfort" could threaten freedom of speech. Some scholars worry the law may allow authorities to arbitrarily target political protests and government critics.