The Law Concerning the Punishment of Damage to the National Flag (国旗の損壊等の処罰に関する法律, Kokki no Sonkai-tō no Shobatsu ni Kansuru Hōritsu) is a law that prohibits the desecration of Japan's national flag.
Contents
Text of the law
The law states that anyone who "publicly damages, removes or defaces the national flag" in a way that "causes significant discomfort or feelings of hatred among others" could potentially face up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to ¥200,000 yen.
Vote
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP) were joined by the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) and Sanseitō in submitting the bill. The House of Representatives passed the bill on 30 June 2026 during the National Diet. However, the vote was boycotted by all opposition parties, including the Centrist Reform Alliance, the DPFP and Sanseitō to protest the governing coalition's steering of parliamentary debate.
The legislation was then sent to the House of Councillors and passed on 17 July 2026. It was enacted as law on 13 August.