Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
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Japanese Fans Seen Displaying Rising Sun Flag During World Cup Street Celebrations
Japanese soccer fans were photographed displaying the Rising Sun flag during street support at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. The image has renewed attention to the flag's historical sensitivity and the wider debate over national symbols in Japan.
Quick Facts
Who
Japanese soccer fans
What
fans displayed the Rising Sun flag during street cheering
When
during the 2026 North and Central America World Cup
Where
Japan
- fans displayed the Rising Sun flag during street cheering
- a photograph of the scene was published
- Japanese soccer fans
- Central Daily
- Seo Kyung-deok
Japanese soccer fans were seen raising the Rising Sun flag during street support for their national team during the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. The image, published by Central Daily and attributed to a capture from the Facebook page of South Korean professor Seo Kyung-deok, showed fans celebrating in Japan with the flag visible in the crowd.
The display drew attention because the Rising Sun flag remains politically and historically sensitive in parts of Asia. It is associated with Japan's imperial era and is viewed by critics in neighboring countries as a symbol of militarism, while some in Japan regard it as a traditional national emblem.
The episode comes amid broader debates over national identity and historical memory that often surface in sporting events involving Japan. The World Cup setting has again highlighted how symbols carried by supporters can take on significance beyond the match itself.
Central Daily said the street cheering was confirmed in Japan during the tournament period. The report did not indicate that any official action was taken in response to the display.
Why This Matters
This matters because symbols seen in global sports coverage can quickly become diplomatic and reputational issues. Readers following Japan-related news should expect renewed scrutiny of public displays at major tournaments, especially when images circulate across borders and touch on wartime memory and national identity.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireCentral Daily published a photo report showing Japanese fans displaying the Rising Sun flag during street cheering.