While Japan has recently virtually completely lifted restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, accelerating its right-wing trend, a unit of the Ground Self-Defense Force was expelled after three days after sparking controversy over its newly created mark being ‘belligerent’.
According to local media on the 4th, the 1st General Division (Infantry) Regiment of the 1st Division of the Ground Self-Defense Force, attached to the Nerima Garrison in Tokyo, unveiled the new unit sign (photo) of the 4th Company through X on the 29th of last month.
It depicts an elephant in combat uniform holding a rifle, with blue flames burning in the background and left eye. There is also a skull symbol drawn on the left chest.
Netizens who saw the new mark poured out criticism, calling it “too aggressive.” Reactions such as “The skull is the remains of a living person. There is a lack of respect for the victims or victims,” or “Please stop using a logo that looks like a military force dedicated to killing. The soft impression of the Self-Defense Forces has fallen to the ground,” and “I have gratitude and respect for the members of the Self-Defense Forces, but I was surprised. Is this kind of warlike atmosphere prevalent in the logo?” came out.
In addition, suspicions of copyright infringement arose as the image was said to be similar to the logo of an organization related to the Thai Border Guard Police.
In response to a series of criticisms, the 1st Infantry Division announced on the 2nd, “The unit logo was created for the purpose of boosting the morale of members and enhancing their sense of belonging, but the perspective that the public should be able to better understand and feel familiarity with the unit should also be taken into consideration. After comprehensive consideration of these points, we have decided to stop using the logo.”
The Mainichi Shimbun reported that unit marks are mainly used internally, such as being attached to unit T-shirts to increase solidarity among members. The mark in question was confirmed to be a design created by a unit member by inputting elephant, mammoth, cool, blue flame, personification, self-defense force, etc. into ChatGPT. A unit official explained that elephants and blue are the animals and colors that symbolize this unit. Rifles indicate infantry units.
The Sanae Takaichi Cabinet, which advocates ‘fundamental strengthening of defense capabilities’, recently revised the three principles and operating guidelines for the transfer of defense equipment to effectively allow the export of lethal weapons, and is pursuing a plan to allow the transfer of weapons to developing countries for free or at low prices.
At the Liberal Democratic Party event where Prime Minister Takaichi announced the policy of ‘proposing a constitutional amendment within one year’, an active-duty Self-Defense Force member sang Kimigayo, Japan’s national anthem, sparking controversy over violation of the obligation of political neutrality.
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