The Rising Sun flag was prominently used by Japan during its invasion of various Asian countries and symbolizes Japanese militarism and imperialism. (Photo: a screenshot of Prof. Seo’s social account)
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — It has been reported that pedicabs adorned with the Rising Sun flag design, a symbol associated with Japanese militarism, are operating in the iconic tourist destination of Central Park in New York City.
On January 15, Professor Seo Kyoung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University shared on social media that he had received numerous reports about these pedicabs. “It has come to my attention that tourist pedicabs decorated with the Rising Sun flag are still roaming around Central Park,” Seo revealed.
After initially learning about this issue last year through various reports, Seo immediately sent a protest email to the Central Park office, but it seems that no action has been taken.
He expressed further concern that these pedicabs are not only circulating within Central Park but are also seen throughout various parts of New York City.
Photographs shared by Seo show the pedicabs, with their striking red decorations, prominently displaying the Rising Sun flag. Images also captured foreign tourists riding in these pedicabs.
In response to this situation, Seo has now sent a protest email to New York City authorities, following his earlier communication with the Central Park office.
In his email, Seo emphasized, “The Rising Sun flag was prominently used by Japan during its invasion of various Asian countries and symbolizes Japanese militarism and imperialism. For many Asian tourists visiting New York, this act evokes memories of the horrors of war.”
His message aims to raise awareness about the controversial nature of the flag and its impact on visitors, especially those from Asia who associate the flag with historical aggression and conflict.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
