国旗損壊罪 - TrendWidget Search

The "National Flag Destruction Law" (国旗損壊罪) was enacted and is set to take effect on August 13, 2026. It penalizes acts that publicly damage, remove, or deface the Japanese national flag in a manner that causes "significant offense or disgust."

Concerns have been raised about the law potentially infringing on freedom of expression, with critics arguing that the definition of "significant offense" is vague and could lead to arbitrary enforcement. Some legal scholars and artists have declared the law unconstitutional.

Despite protests and calls for its abolition, the law was passed and is moving towards implementation. The law specifies penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.