Rising Sun Flag Appears Again at WBC Japan-Korea Match Where Prime Minister Kishida Threw the First Pitch

The Rising Sun Flag, a symbol of Japanese militarism, appeared once again at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) game between Korea and Japan held on the 10th at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

On the afternoon of the 10th, at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, during the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool B first-round match between Korea and Japan, a spectator is holding a Rising Sun flag. / Photo by Yonhap News

The Rising Sun Flag was spotted in the second-floor outfield seats of Tokyo Dome. A Japanese man wearing glasses held the flag and stood for a while before moving to another location.

Political messages are strictly prohibited in international competitions hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). However, the WBC, organized by the Major League Baseball office in the United States, is known not to have explicit regulations banning cheering with the Rising Sun Flag.

On this day, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida threw the ceremonial first pitch for the Korea-Japan game. The appearance of the Rising Sun Flag on the day Prime Minister Kishida visited the baseball stadium could also act as an obstacle to improving Korea-Japan relations.

The KBO immediately protested to the tournament organizing committee upon recognizing the Rising Sun Flag displayed at Tokyo Dome. It is reported that since last month, the KBO has requested the WBC organizing committee (WBCI) and the Japanese round organizing committee to prohibit cheering with the Rising Sun Flag.

A KBO official explained, "The WBCI responded that they are aware of the Rising Sun Flag controversy and will review whether they can restrict its entry under the regulations on cheering tools and cheering etiquette. The Japanese round organizing committee has also responded that they will do their best to discourage its entry."