The head of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force displaying the Rising Sun Flag says "A big step toward improving relations with the Korean Navy"

Entered Busan Port the day before to participate in 'Eastern Endeavor 23'

On the 30th, Sakai Ryo, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, stated that the entry of a Self-Defense Force escort ship flying the Rising Sun Flag into Busan Port was "accepted according to international customs."

According to Kyodo News, Chief of Staff Sakai said at a press conference that day, "It is a very significant step toward improving relations with the Republic of Korea Navy."

On the 29th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Hamagiri entered the Busan Naval Operations Base flying the Self-Defense Force flag, a type of Rising Sun flag, to participate in a multinational exercise. (Photo by Yonhap News)

He added, "It is necessary to build stronger cooperation with the Republic of Korea Navy," explaining, "It is important to enhance trust by accumulating achievements such as mutual visits of vessels and joint exercises."

The Self-Defense Force escort ship Hamagiri entered Busan Port the previous day to participate in the multinational maritime interdiction exercise "Eastern Endeavor 23," hosted by South Korea on the 31st. At that time, it entered flying the Self-Defense Force flag, a type of Rising Sun Flag.

Due to worsening weather conditions reducing the training, the originally planned inspection of participating vessels by Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop has been omitted.

The Self-Defense Force flag is a type of Rising Sun Flag, which is criticized as a symbol of Japanese militarism. According to the Self-Defense Forces Act, Self-Defense Force vessels must fly the Self-Defense Force flag together with the national flag of Japan (Nisshoki).

Previously, in November 2018 during the Moon Jae-in administration, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force was also invited to an international fleet review hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy. However, when South Korea requested that the Japanese national flag (Nisshoki) and the Taegeukgi be flown instead of the Rising Sun Flag, Japan protested and did not attend the event.