The Games Organizing Committee apologized for the ban on bringing in the Rising Sun Flag at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games venue, but Taiwanese media unanimously reported that 'there was no mention whatsoever of Taiwan's national flag.'

On the 28th, the Asian Games Organizing Committee apologized on its official website, stating that the display prohibiting the bringing in of the Rising Sun Flag during the baseball match between Japan and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) held on the 26th at Okazaki Central Comprehensive Park Baseball Stadium was 'inappropriate.' It explained that the display was put up due to 'a mistaken understanding by on-site staff.'

At the venue on the day, the Rising Sun Flag and Taiwan's flag (Blue Sky with a White Sun and a Wholly Red Earth) were printed above the text 'The flags above cannot be brought in,' written in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

Regarding the organizing committee's apology, Taiwanese media Chinatimes reported, 'The tournament organizers admit to "mistakenly banning the Rising Sun Flag," but make no mention of Taiwan's national flag.' ETtoday reported, 'Asian Games Apologizes, "Rising Sun Flag Should Not Have Been Banned!" Taiwan's national flag was also banned, but the organizers said not a word.' FTV News Sports also reported, 'Apology for "Rising Sun Flag Ban" at Asian Games Baseball Venue! Japan's Organizing Committee Did Not Mention "Taiwan's National Flag" at All.'

Among these, ETtoday's article pointed out that 'The Games Organizing Committee issued a statement regarding the inappropriate display at the baseball stadium this time, and after clarifying that the Rising Sun Flag is not subject to a ban on bringing in, it apologized for the mistaken understanding of the on-site staff. On the other hand, regarding the fact that Taiwan's national flag was included in the ban display, and that fans were asked to put away towels with 'Taiwan' written on them, no further explanation has been provided.'

FTV News Sports' article mentioned the incident in the match between China and Taiwan held on the 25th, where Taiwanese fans cheering with towels that read 'Taiwan' were stopped by event staff, and in response, Taiwanese fans started chanting 'Team Taiwan.' It pointed out that no official regulations have been established to prohibit the bringing in of towels with the word 'Taiwan' or related cheering goods, and reported that this incident led to the appearance of a display prohibiting the bringing in of the 'Rising Sun Flag' and 'Taiwan's national flag' at the Japan-Taiwan match the following day.

Furthermore, in the 3rd place playoff between China and Taiwan on the 27th, although the display prohibiting the bringing in of the 'Rising Sun Flag' and 'Taiwan's national flag' at the entrance had been removed, it was reportedly still displayed at some entrances and exits inside the venue. (Translation/Editing by Kitada)