Japan Passes Flag Desecration Law Amid Free Speech Concerns
On July 17, Japan's parliament passed a controversial law that prohibits defacing the national flag, which includes burning, tearing, or even soiling it with substances like mud or urine. This law was put forward on June 16 by several parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party, and it aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's populist goals. Those who break this law could be sentenced to up to two years in prison or fined JPY 200,000 (about USD 1,230). While the bill addresses private livestreaming of flag destruction, it removed a clause about sharing such acts online. Amnesty International Japan and other groups have criticized it for potentially infringing on free speech rights under the 1947 Constitution's Article 21.
Key facts
- Japan's parliament passed the Flag Desecration Bill on July 17.
- The bill was jointly submitted on June 16 by LDP, Japan Innovation Party, Democratic Party for the People, and Sanseito.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi championed the bill as part of a populist campaign.
- Offenders face up to 2 years in prison or a fine of JPY 200,000 (USD 1,230).
- The law criminalizes burning, tearing, trampling, and smearing the flag with mud, urine, or excrement.
- Livestreaming flag destruction in private settings is also prohibited; a clause on sharing online was dropped.
- AICA Japan issued a statement on July 9 signed by over 50 members denouncing the bill.
- The law could have a chilling effect on artistic expression involving the national flag.
Entities
Institutions
- Liberal Democratic Party
- Japan Innovation Party
- Democratic Party for the People
- Sanseito
- Amnesty International Japan
- Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom
- International Association of Art Critics Japanese Section (AICA Japan)
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Japan