Will Expressions Surrounding the National Flag Be Punishable? Art Critics Federation Volunteers Oppose the 'National Flag Desecration Crime'
Art critics federation volunteers oppose the new national flag desecration law, defending freedom of expression.Summary
A group of 48 volunteers from the Art Critics Federation issued a joint statement on July 9, opposing the proposed National Flag Desecration Law, arguing that it could curb artistic and political expression involving the flag. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives on June 30, would impose up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 200,000 yen on anyone who publicly damages, removes, or defaces the flag in a manner that “causes a person to feel strong discomfort or hatred.” The critics point out that similar acts are already punishable under the existing property damage statutes, and that the bill’s vague definition of “national sentiment” could lead to arbitrary enforcement. They also note that the flag has long been used in paintings, photographs, films, installations, and performances, making it difficult to draw a clear line between artistic and political expression; if the law passes, artists may avoid using the flag altogether, stifling criticism of the state and prompting museums to self‑censor past works. The federation stresses that protecting freedom of artistic and political expression is a fundamental democratic principle.
(Source：Tokyo Art Beat)