Overview
- The Liberal Democratic Party is drafting a new offense, tentatively called the national emblem damage crime, to punish damaging, removing, or soiling Japan’s flag.
- Party officials are now considering penalties for posting videos of flag desecration on social media or video sites when they are viewable by the general public.
- The LDP’s project team discussed a draft outline and plans to present text this week, with the ruling bloc seeking passage during the current Diet session with Nippon Ishin’s support.
- Penalties are expected to track existing Penal Code models such as the crimes of damaging foreign emblems and property damage, signaling fines or jail terms in line with those statutes.
- Legal scholars warn that dropping an intent requirement could sweep in non‑insulting acts, such as disposing of an old personal flag, and they question basing the law on protecting public sentiment rather than clear, limited legal interests.