ⓒ JoongAng Ilbo / JoongAng Ilbo Japanese version2023.03.11 09:26
On the 10th, when the Korea-Japan game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was held, the rising sun flag appeared at the Tokyo Dome as expected. Japanese spectators have often been seen cheering on the Rising Sun flag at international competitions, and this time the Rising Sun flag also appeared in a corner of the stadium. The place where the rising sun flag was found was the second floor outfield of the Tokyo Dome. A man with glasses was holding the rising sun flag, but he moved to another place.
At international competitions run by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), actions with political intentions are strictly prohibited. The rising sun flag, which symbolizes Japan’s militarism, is also banned. However, the WBC, which is held under the initiative of the Major League Baseball (MLB) secretariat, does not have any clear rules regarding the matter.
The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) is concerned that the rising sun flag will appear again in the Korea-Japan game held in Japan, and has issued a statement to the WBC Organizing Committee (WBCI) and the Japan Round Organizing Committee in February and March. Requested to stop cheering for the rising sun flag.
A KBO official said, “The WBCI responded, ‘We are aware of the controversy over the Rising Sun flag, and we will consider whether we can apply regulations on cheering equipment and cheering flags to limit the import.'” The committee also said that they would be restrained from bringing in as much as possible.”
After confirming the rising sun flag, the KBO immediately lodged a protest with the WBCI and the Japan Round Organizing Committee. A KBO official said the organizing committee had promised to take immediate action.
