Upper House passes flag-desecration bill despite constitutional concerns

AI Summary

Japan's Upper House has passed a controversial flag-desecration law which will be effective from August. The law prescribes punishments for anyone damaging or defacing the flag in a manner causing extreme discomfort or disgust.

The law, to take effect in August, will punish anyone who publicly damages, removes or defaces the flag in a way deemed likely to cause "extreme discomfort or disgust to others."