Rising Sun Flag Sold as Souvenir at Popular Mount Fuji Shops... Controversy Among Korean Tourists

Rising Sun Flag Emblem Attached to Wooden Sticks for Climbing Stamps
"International Tourists Perceive It as a Japanese Symbol Without Knowing Its Meaning"

Controversy has arisen after it was revealed that products featuring the Rising Sun Flag are being sold at souvenir shops near Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations.

A product featuring the Rising Sun Flag being sold at Mount Fuji. Photo by Professor Seokyungdeok on Instagram

Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University stated on his social media account on the 26th that "many international tourists are visiting Japan during the winter season to capture photos and videos of Mount Fuji," and that he recently received a report about products featuring the Rising Sun Flag being sold at souvenir shops around Mount Fuji.

According to Professor Seo, the product in question is a wooden stick used for collecting stamps at each mountain hut while climbing Mount Fuji. This item is popular not only among actual climbers but also among tourists who do not climb, serving as a representative souvenir of Mount Fuji. However, controversy has been growing because the Rising Sun Flag pattern is attached to these wooden sticks and sold to customers.

Professor Seo criticized this practice, stating, "It is truly wrong to commercialize the Rising Sun Flag by attaching it to souvenirs frequently purchased by international tourists." He emphasized, "The Rising Sun Flag was used by Japan as a symbol during its invasions of various Asian countries, including the Pacific War, and it represents militarism and imperialism as a war crime flag."

He particularly pointed out the problem that many international tourists are buying these products, perceiving the Rising Sun Flag simply as a symbol of Japan without knowing its historical background.

Professor Seo announced, "To prevent such situations, I will launch a global campaign to inform internet users worldwide by producing multilingual videos about the historical facts of the Rising Sun Flag."