The appearance of the Rising Sun flag during a World Baseball Classic (WBC) game between Korea and Japan has sparked criticism after Japanese spectators were seen displaying the controversial symbol at Tokyo Dome. The flag, widely associated with the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, is viewed by many throughout Asia as a symbol of the country’s militaristic colonial past, including its 35-year rule over Korea. The incident occurred during the 2026 WBC match played Saturday. Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, said he sent a protest email to the tournament’s organizers after reports showed several Japanese fans holding and waving the controversial flags before entering the stadium. “Some Japanese fans were openly displaying the Rising Sun flag and cheering before entering Tokyo Dome,” Seo wrote on social media Saturday, citing footage reported by broadcaster JTBC. “The Rising Sun flag is a symbol of Japan’s militarism and imperialism,” he said. “Using it while cheering denies the history of Japan’s past wars of aggression and reminds many Asians