ATROCITIES COMMITTED UNDER THE FLAG

Rising Sun Flag in Pacific Asia War
In reality, both the Hinomaru and the Rising Sun Flags were used during the Pacific Asia War. BUT, the Rising Sun Flag is mostly associated with the the Imperial Japanese Army.
Asian People & Rising Sun Flag
Most of the neighboring Asian countries associate the Rising Sun Flag with the following atrocities during the 15 year of Japanese Empire expansion: 
Related Book

Rising Sun: The Innocent Fascist Symbol

The flag of the Rising Sun was first originally used throughout feudal Japan and during the Meiji Reformation officially became a battle flag for the new imperial military. 
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During the Second World War and well before, the Empire of Japan used the Rising Sun flag for not just state use or functions but also naval jacks and army banners, cementing its image as a symbol for an aggressive and imperialist Japan. 
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​To many throughout the Asian continent, the Rising Sun symbolizes hostility and serving unwillingly to an empire. To many, it also brings images of comfort women, the Rape of Nanking, and the brutality of a warmongering military.