A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer will fly the rising sun flag when taking part in a naval drill in South Korea next week, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said Friday, amid improving ties between the two Asian neighbors. Hamada said at a press conference that the destroyer will display the flag when participating in the drill "in accordance with" the domestic legislation that mandates MSDF vessels to fly the rising sun flag as their official ensign. As a sign of a thaw in relations, Japan and South Korea have resumed reciprocal visits between their leaders, following their suspension in December 2011. During Moon's time in office, the two Asian countries were at odds over the rising sun flag, with South Korea claiming it is associated with the World War II-era Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. In 2018, Japan canceled its attendance at a naval event in South Korea after Seoul demanded that Tokyo refrain from displaying the rising sun flag.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 27, 2023 03:50 UTC