June 20, 2026

Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Yamazoe Taku, at a press conference on June 19, expressed his opposition to the bill to criminalize Hinomaru desecration and stated that it should be scrapped.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner “Ishin” party, together with the Democratic Party for the People and the “Sanseito” party, submitted the bill to the Diet on June 16.

Yamazoe criticized the bill, stating, “Everything is vague and unclear, from acts that are subject to punishment to the criteria for determining illegality. This violates the principle of legality in criminal law.”

He added, “If such a law is actually enacted, it will encroach upon individuals’ freedom of conscience and freedom of expression.”

Past related article:
> Punishing individuals for desecrating ‘Hinomaru’ flag is akin to punishing them for their inner thoughts [June 10, 2026]