Chongqing -  On the night of June 20 local time, as global football fans were riveted by the pulsating World Cup clash between Japan and Tunisia, the sight of a Rising Sun Flag displayed inside the stadium ignited outrage among peace-loving people worldwide—particularly across Asia. Debates have been sparked online. People unfamiliar with Asian history found the backlash puzzling. Why did a flag provoke such strong reactions at a sporting event? The answer lies in the bitter memories it evokes for millions who suffered under its shadow.

For most Asian nations, the Rising Sun Flag is far from an ordinary emblem—it is a reminder of Japan’s wartime atrocities. Serving as the ensign of the Imperial Japanese Army during its invasion of Asian-Pacific countries—including China, South Korea, and the Philippines—before and throughout World War II, the flag has become synonymous with militaristic aggression and colonial subjugation. 

According to a report from Yonhap News, a South Korean professor condemned the act, stating: "Using the Rising Sun Flag as a cheering prop at the World Cup is highly inappropriate. It can revive the horrors of war, especially for Asian football fans." 

The World Cup belongs to the world. It offers not only breathtaking athletic contests but also an opportunity to convey mutual respect and empathy across borders. As people celebrate this grand sporting festival, the pitch should never be overshadowed by the specter of militarism.