日本国旗損壊罪 - TrendWidget Search

The Act on Punishment of Damage to the National Flag (国旗損壊罪) was enacted on August 13, 2026. It criminalizes the public damage, removal, or defacement of the Japanese national flag in a manner that causes "significant offense or disgust" to others. Penalties include imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Concerns have been raised regarding the ambiguity of "significant offense or disgust," potential for overreach by investigative authorities, and infringement on freedom of expression. The law's passage was championed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.