“World Street Woman Fighter” Kyoka and Riehata Under Fire for Sharing Content Featuring Controversial Rising Sun Flag

Kyoka, a dancer representing the Japan team on World Street Woman Fighter, is facing heavy criticism after being photographed wearing the Rising Sun flag, a symbol widely condemned in South Korea and other parts of Asia due to its association with Imperial Japan’s militarism.

The controversy erupted on social media after fans and viewers circulated photos showing Kyoka sporting the controversial imagery. Netizens, especially in Korea, quickly called out the appearance as deeply insensitive, given the flag’s historical implications.

Comments on instiz:

1. So please, stop bringing in Japanese people and promoting them on Korean shows.
2. Kyoka is insanely popular though.
3. At this point, Japanese ignorance isn’t even surprising anymore.
4. I heard her favorite country is Korea…
5. Even knowing everything, there are still lots of people who like her… lol

The resurfaced image also posted by RIEHATA on November 8, 2016, has sparked renewed controversy due to the background artwork prominently featuring the Rising Sun Flag, a symbol widely regarded as offensive and militaristic in many parts of Asia, particularly South Korea and China.

The Rising Sun flag, with red rays extending from a central red sun, was used by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy during World War II and has come to symbolize Japan’s colonial rule and military aggression. To many, it’s as offensive as the Nazi swastika.

Although Japan continues to use variations of the flag for cultural and maritime purposes, nations like South Korea have consistently protested its use. South Korea has even urged international organizations to ban the flag from global events, including the Olympics.

While the intent behind Kyoka’s outfit remains unclear, the lack of immediate response from the World Street Woman Fighter production team or Kyoka’s representatives has fueled further frustration.