Quote Originally Posted by masayoshi
I believe they should change their naval ensign because it reminds others too much of the treacherous wartime Japan. There's the image of the kamikaze, atrocities and cruelty associated with it and it's too fresh in the minds of those who suffered.

But whether to change or not is the choice of the Japanese. The flags associated with the other Axis countries are like taboo nowadays in those countries
The last sentence is actually not quite true, inasmuch as the flag of Italy is unchanged except for the absence of the coat of arms of the House of Savoy ... due to the fact that Italy is now a republic, and no longer a monarchy. the absence of the coat of arms has absolutely nothing to do with a disassociation with Fascism - indeed, Italy never adopted a different flag during the Fascist period. As far as I'm aware the only things that changed were aircraft National markings (which displayed fasces quite prominently) .

With regard to the Japanese flag - I (guardedly...) feel that there is a distinction between it and the German Nazi Banner. The latter was undeniably associated with the Nazi partei - having been used at no time prior to the creation of that particular political group. It was contrived, created and displayed purely to emphasize "National Socialism" in Germany and later, the World at large.

In contrast - the Japanese "Rising Sun" ensign - although associated with WWII - was actually in use and a National Emblem long before the atrocities and events of the period under discussion.

Therefore - why should it be held in lesser regard than the Italian Tricolore ?

Perhaps it is just a poor old flag with a strong and proud history ... that just happened to be "in the wrong place at the wrong time" ... ?

You certainly can't say that about the Nazi German flag ! ... and you probably can't say that about the "Stars and Bars" either ...!

(What bugs me is the fact that ... they're all very striking designs, aren't they !)

...Just a thought ....

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