This has been a headline issue in South Korean broadcast media yesterday and today. The South Korean Foreign Ministry regards the IOC judgement as a violation of political neutrality rules in the Olympic Charter. It remains to be seen how other Asian states who experienced Japanese imperialism during the Pacific War in the 20th Century will react to the decision. Most likely, China's position will have great impact. The Chinese have not objected to the use of the Rising Sun Flag at international naval reviews. However, the Asian Football Association does not permit the use of the Rising Sun Flag.
The IOC ruling was ostensibly based upon the fact that the Rising Sun flag motif is common throughout Japan and has "no political meaning." The South Korean Foreign Ministry regards the flag as symbolic of Japanese militarism and imperialism in the 20th Century and equivalent to displaying the Swastika at an international event. It's possible that the Chinese will not take a position in order to allow further deterioration in the US alliance structure in East Asia. If the decision is not reversed there is a possibility that Korean athletes may not attend the Tokyo Olympics. This is another prickly issue in addition to the matter of residual radioactivity near the Fukishima venue and the representation of Dokdo (Takeshima) as Japanese territory on their Olympic literature and accessories.
(Source YTN News - 9.3) South Korean legislator says cheering for the Rising Sun Flag is an IOC contrivance.
(Source- JTBC News 9.4) The medal design for the Tokyo paralympics brings to mind the Rising Sun Flag but is ostensibly a design based upon a fan. This is a transitional device much like the athletic uniform worn by Japanese athletes (shown below) during the 2012 London Olympics to condition the world to the revival of Japanese militarism desired by the west to counter China's rising influence.
(Source- JTBC News 9.4)
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