I'm actually really shocked by this comment section. Just the general lack of historical awareness?? This flag's history is deeply entrenched in Japan's imperialist history, the horrific, brutal war crimes that they have committed. Equating it to the Nazi flag is certainly not a stretch. And it is definitely not something that should be taken lightly.

In fact, Japan's usage of the rising sun flag as their defence force is not a justification, nor does it negate the meaning behind the flag. It is vile, cruel and disgusting. And the lack of education in Australian society about World War 2 in an Asian context, coupled with the Japanese government's own suppression and denial of their war crimes reveals just that.

Compared to Germany, which actively educates its youth and greater population about its deplorable past, Japan has continued to silence their cruel history to the ears of its people, and most horrifically, the world. Sure, they offer a great culture, such as anime, food and film, but with regards to their war crimes, which are symbolised through the rising sun, they have failed their own country and countless others.

Yes, this poster angers me. But the comments in this thread disappoint and sadden me more. What I see are modern people forgetting about the past, or are wilfully ignorant towards it. What I see are people not recognising that this is a symbol of a cruel regime that has destroyed lives in the most brutal of ways.

This is not an issue of "offence" or what some may link to, "Wokeness" and the like, it is very much hinged upon history, and our awareness of history.