Japan flag desecration bill opposed by 148 academics

A group of 148 Japanese legal experts has petitioned lawmakers against a bill that would criminalise damaging the national flag, saying it threatens freedom of expression.

The bill, part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's conservative agenda, says anyone who publicly damages, removes or defaces the national flag in a way that causes significant discomfort or revulsion to others could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen, or $1,200.

The legislation cleared the lower house last week, where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a majority, and could pass the upper house later this month. The ruling bloc is in a minority in the upper house, but the bill is supported by several other parties.

In a statement submitted to lawmakers, the academics said they had "strong concerns that it could curb freedom of political expression" and warned against punishing people for causing discomfort.

Takaaki Matsumiya, a law professor at Ritsumeikan University, told reporters the Japanese flag carries negative associations for some people because of Japan's history of wars of aggression, and said those views should be respected during the legislative process.

Opposition parties have also pushed back against the bill, saying it violates the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The Centrist Reform Alliance has questioned the legal basis for criminalising damage to the flag and urged more careful discussion.