Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Japan's PM Takaichi Revives Flag Defacement Criminalization Effort

2/26/2026

32 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Japan) plans to revive a 2012 initiative to criminalize hinomaru defacement.
She aims to amend the Penal Code to punish flag damage, unlike foreign flags.
The push follows a recent election that strengthened her party's majority.
In 2012, she proposed penalties of up to two years in prison or 200,000 yen (US$1,285), saying the disparity undermines Japan's national interests.

1 of 1

Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Japan) plans to revive a 2012 initiative to criminalize hinomaru defacement.
She aims to amend the Penal Code to punish flag damage, unlike foreign flags.
The push follows a recent election that strengthened her party's majority.
In 2012, she proposed penalties of up to two years in prison or 200,000 yen (US$1,285), saying the disparity undermines Japan's national interests.