Japan will not be among the nation’s taking part in the upcoming International Fleet Review at the Jeju Naval Base. Its ship was going to fly the Rising Sun Flag, but Korea said that was unacceptable. Mike Laidman reports.
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For many, the Rising Sun Flag symbolizes Japanese imperialism

A flag flies on a warship from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

It is the Rising Sun Flag, a symbol of Japanese imperialism.

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Japan refuses Korea’s request not to fly Rising Sun Flag

Japan was invited to the International Fleet Review, which will begin October 10th at the Jeju Naval Base.

The Japanese Navy said it would fly the Rising Sun Flag during the naval parade.


It said that the vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are required to carry the flag by Japanese domestic law, and that the flag is registered as the ensign of Japanese warships in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.


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Japan decides not to participate in naval parade

With the controversy over the flag growing into a diplomatic tussle, Japan notified Korea that it would not be sending vessels to the naval parade.

INTERVIEW
Kim Yeong-min / Representative, Jeju Naval Base
Japan has notified us that it will not participate in the naval parade if the ensign of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels is not allowed. It is regrettable that Japan will not take part.
< 김영민 / 해군제주기지전대 민군협력실장 >
일본 해상 자위대는 자국 법령과 국제 관례에 의거한 입장이 받아들여지지 않으면 이번 관함식에는 참가할 수 없다는 입장을 밝혔습니다. 일본 해상 자위대 함정이 참가하지 못하게 된 것에 대해 유감스럽게 생각합니다.


Japanese media covered Japan’s decision not to join the International Fleet Review, saying that it cannot accept the Korean Navy’s request not to fly the Rising Sun Flag.

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‘Tokyo may have declined invite to prevent deeper issues’

Tokyo might be considering that if it insists that its warship carries the controversial imperialistic flag, Seoul would change its vessel at the event from the (일출봉) Ilchulbong to the (독도) Dokdo. This would undoubtedly cause further diplomatic issues.

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Vessels from 14 nations to take part in exercises

The Korean Navy says warships from 14 nations, including the United States and China, will participate in the International Fleet Review.

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Ko Moon-su

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Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Japan will instead send its delegation to the Western Pacific Ocean Navy Symposium, a part of the International Fleet Review.

Mike Laidman, KCTV