Why Japan 'Rising Sun' Flag Provokes Olympic Ire

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Japan considers the "rising sun" flag part of its history. But some in the Koreas, China and other Asian countries say the flag is a reminder of Japan's wartime atrocities and is comparable to the Nazi swastika.

That's why the flag has created anger at the Olympics, with some of the host nation's neighbors calling for it to be banned during the Tokyo Games, which start Friday. There's little prospect that ties between Seoul and Tokyo will improve any time soon. But the flag dispute may ease. Some experts say the COVID-19 restrictions that have banned spectators at most Olympic venues may prevent the disagreement from growing. Here's a look at the "rising sun" flag and the long-running unease it has caused in Northeast Asia.