Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Escort Ship Arrives at Busan Port
"Symbol of Japanese Nationalism, Beyond Pure Meaning"
Kim Jong-dae, visiting professor at Yonsei University Institute for Unification Studies, appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 30th and commented on the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ship entering Busan Port flying the Self-Defense Force flag, saying, "During the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Lee Myung-bak administrations, they also entered flying the Rising Sun Flag," and added, "The issue of the Rising Sun Flag has grown as distrust between South Korea and Japan has increased."
Earlier, around 9:30 a.m. on the 29th, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ship Hamagiri entered the Busan Naval Operations Base flying both the Hinomaru and the Self-Defense Force flag. This was to participate in the multinational maritime blockade exercise 'Eastern Endeavor 23' held in the southern waters off Jeju on the 31st.
Controversy arose because the Self-Defense Force flag flown by this ship resembles the Rising Sun Flag, a symbol of Japanese militarism.
Regarding this, Professor Kim said, "'Customary practice,' as explained by the Ministry of National Defense, is not incorrect. When we go to Japan, we do the same, and everyone flies their own military flags," adding, "Until 2010, it was not even an issue."
On the 29th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Hamagiri entered Busan Naval Operations Base flying the Self-Defense Force flag, a type of Rising Sun flag, to participate in a multinational exercise. [Image source=Yonhap News]
He analyzed, "Recently, as Japan's right-wing shows nationalist tendencies, this emblem appears more often," and said, "Although it is not illegal and is indeed a customary practice, its meaning is gradually becoming strange and uncomfortable."
Professor Kim pointed out that the meaning of the Japanese ship's Self-Defense Force flag is changing, citing the example of the American Confederate flag. He explained, "The Confederate flag is not illegal, but after Trump refused to concede the election and rioters stormed the Capitol carrying that flag, it began to carry racist and disrespectful connotations," and added, "The Rising Sun Flag is heading in a similar direction."
He continued, "What we are concerned about is not that the Rising Sun Flag is illegal," and said, "There is a possibility that these flags are developing into symbols spreading conservative right-wing nationalism. When it becomes a symbol of conservative right-wing nationalism, one can say that the original pure meaning of the Japanese military flag has deviated."
Professor Kim stated, "If we allow this, Japan should also show sincerity. They should explain themselves to the Korean people by saying, 'We do not follow militaristic war criminals; this is simply a military flag,' and ask for understanding. There should be some coordination, but only we are continuing like this."
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