Maroon 5 criticized for using Rising Sun Flag in world tour poster
American pop rock band Maroon 5 is involved in a controversy for using the Japanese Rising Sun Flag in its world tour poster. The flag was used by Japan during World War II and is associated with Japanese war crimes.
Maroon 5 recently announced its upcoming concerts on their official website. The band will kick off the world tour in Quebec City and travel to Asia to perform in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Manila, and Bangkok.
The Rising Sun flag was used by the Japanese Imperial Army, and carries a negative meaning in many Asian countries such as South Korea. Media outlets reported many South Koreans have turned to online communities to plan a boycott of the band's upcoming concert in South Korea.
A promotional image for #US #pop #rock band #Maroon5's #worldtour is causing a stir as it incorporates the #RisingSun flag, which was used by the Japanese imperial military during #WorldWarII and is regarded as a symbol of its wartime aggression. https://t.co/T4bBeEXqLC
-- The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) July 4, 2022
Maroon 5 is scheduled to perform in Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena on December 8. The band previously visited the Philippines in March 2019 for their Red Pill Blues Tour, also held at the MOA Arena.
For the mean time, check out international concerts happening in the Philippines in 2022:
