Nearly 150 Japanese academics have petitioned lawmakers against a bill criminalizing damage to the national flag, arguing it threatens freedom of expression.
On Thursday, 148 legal experts submitted a statement to lawmakers expressing strong concerns that the bill could curb freedom of political expression.
The bill states that anyone who publicly damages, removes or defaces the national flag in a manner causing significant discomfort or revulsion to others faces up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. It cleared the lower house last week and could pass the upper house later this month.
Takaaki Matsumiya, a law professor at Ritsumeikan University, told reporters at a news conference that Japan has a history of waging wars of aggression and some people hold a negative image of the national flag. He argued the bill could also be used as a tool of hate.
Several opposition parties have also questioned the legislation, saying it violates a constitutional right to freedom of expression.
