'Ukiyo-e Rickshaw' Across the Streets... New York City Responds to Protest with "Regret, but Not Our Jurisdiction"

Professor Seokyeongdeok Sent Protest Email About 'Uk Ilgi Rickshaw'
New York City "Deep Regret Over Feelings of Disrespect"

[Image source=Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook]

A rickshaw adorned with the Rising Sun Flag has been roaming various parts of New York City, sparking controversy, while the city stated that "this matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of the authorities."

On the 7th, Professor Seokyeongdeok from Sungshin Women's University said on his Facebook, "Last year, I received many reports that 'tourist rickshaws' decorated with the Rising Sun Flag were roaming around Central Park and nearby tourist spots in New York, a world-famous tourist destination, and I sent a protest email to New York City earlier this year."

However, New York City responded to Professor Seokyeongdeok's email by saying, "We have received your complaint and, after careful review, have determined that this matter does not fall under our jurisdiction." The city added, "We deeply regret that you felt offended by the 'Rising Sun Flag rickshaw.' Unfortunately, such actions are not within our jurisdiction."

[Image source=Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University Facebook]

Professor Seokyeongdeok expressed disappointment with New York City's response, saying, "I did not ask for the suspension of the Rising Sun Flag rickshaw's business, but only requested measures to have the Rising Sun Flag removed. Receiving such a response is very disappointing." He pointed out, "In the protest email, I provided sufficient historical explanations about the Rising Sun Flag, but New York City said it was not their jurisdiction, and Central Park authorities have not responded at all."

Professor Seokyeongdeok said, "So far, I have been actively working to widely publicize the history of the Rising Sun Flag worldwide, including placing advertisements in The New York Times and running YouTube ads countering the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Rising Sun Flag promotional videos. I will continue to pursue this matter to the end," emphasizing, "I will soon seek cooperation from the New York Police Department (NYPD) again."

The Rising Sun Flag is a symbol of Japanese imperialism and is regarded as a war flag similar to the Nazi swastika flag of Germany. Earlier, in January, Professor Seokyeongdeok also pointed out on Facebook, "It is truly unacceptable that a large Rising Sun Flag is circulating in New York, one of the most visited tourist cities in the world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.