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37 Comments

This commemorative fan at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Tokyo for the July 4 celebrations on Monday night had a lot of people talking, with some saying that its design looked like one tectonic plate sliding under another.

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37 Comments
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Actually, it does look like one tectonic plate sliding under another.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Very insulting indeed. It looks like the American tectonic plate is under the Japanese one which in case of an earthquake would shake up the Japanese one.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

How on earth is it insulting to say you honour one nation on the anniversary of your own??

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I saw it as rolling hills looking toward the sun rising in the East. Hardly insulting.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

I think insulting is a bit much. Besides, the Japanese portion on top of the image of the US flag, stars and stripes.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

if you're honouring japan, there's no need to drape that lame flag all over the japanese one. honouring yourself and your bad attempt at trying to show you care.

honour them by not charging them for the 'relief' work you did after the disaster. that would be an honour and that would be real gesture

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

1) It's from the U.S. Embassy

2) It's on July 4th.

3) Japan's emblem is HIGHER (rising above) than the U.S. emblem.

Only a true victim-hearted person who sees sleights and insults at every turn would see this as insulting.

Personally, I think it's kind of a cool design, as the natural supports of the fan appear to be emanating from the rising sun.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

sharpie,

It was for the 4th of July celebrations which are American celebrations hence the US flag and it was to honour the Japanese hence the Japanese flag. It was to show that the two countries are united hence both on the same fan. It is meant to be recognition of both countries but some will only see the negative in it, l guess some people can never be satisfied.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

It is ironic for the country that bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki to make such a poster,

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

Give it a break and chill out! Composition, colors, message, it's actually a great design.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I believe that Foxie was being sarcastic.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

IronBeard, you got it all right. Use your imagination and you can see anything you want. I respect those kind thoughts from our American friends.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

worth Yen 50, no honor, no insult.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"tectonic plates"

Ha ha lol

I agree with Noripinhead, it looks like rolling hills and the rising sun.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Insulting my ass! It is a nice gesture, no more no less and better than many of the other fans, posters etc. that one see around.

Pity about the spelling mistake though :-)

4 ( +4 / -0 )

It looks like a painted scallop shell.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's a nice design.

(That map in the background looks like it's from The Village where No. 6 was taken.)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Pity about the spelling mistake though"

There is no spelling mistake :)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"It looks like a painted scallop shell"

Heh, you could say that about any uchiwa.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I like it!!! It shows exactly the level of friendship that these two nations have. Cheers to all U.S. members of JT and Happy 4th of July!!!!

How can somebody consider a fan made in order to commemorate the 4th of July and U.S. - Japan friendship as insulting? It is ridiculous, really.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It is an creative and friendship-message designed fan. U.S. national flag is symbolized like a burgeoning flow buds on the brilliant sunshine day. Japan national flag can position harmoniously in the center of the fan. If someone though this design as insulting, he or she may have a different political and personal viewpoint for what Japanese people and American people have worked together over their long-term relationship.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

i suppose it is made of plastic, People who get it will throw it in the waste basket after July 4th. I get many such fans advertising anything and they get directly into the thrash. Not environmetally friendly.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I was thinking it look more like an egg sunny side up :P mmm breakfast for dinner :D

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Looks to me like the land of the sinking sun.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Great Picture & Fan. I want to Buy one! I guess some are Jealous of the strong Friendship we have! some people are gonna always have Negitive thoughts & things to say & you know what? that Doesn't & WON'T change the friendsshipp we have!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I have an idea, the next 4th of July, how about the US Ambassador stick strictly to recognizing the US holiday, and not try to parlay it into some cheap attempt at being "inclusive." It's supposed to be a celebration of the US independence, not to make some political statement about being allied with another country.

I am for the help that the US has provided Japan, and I hope that it continues to do so, but this is just too much pandering.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Its such an "American" thing to do. It makes me want to roll my eyes. There is absolutely no need to honor Japan on July the 4th, it just stems from an American need to be seen to be doing something.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Actually, it looks a bit like the Obama 2008 campaign logo.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Nothing insulting about this design, it honors Japan, the United States and our close relationship.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

My guess is that the bashers & posts from the "constantly negative" see a setting sun...shifting tectonic plates, this above that, that below this...pointless. It's a rising sun representing transcendence...or am i being too positive? hehe

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I don't think it looks very good but cannot fathom how it could offend.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

A photo can speak more than a thousand words..

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Kinda reminds me of the Bank of America logo. Personally, I would prefer that the U.S. Embassy used the image of a traditional U.S. flag. However, the idea that this represents a tectonic plate sliding under another, and is therefore offensive, is silly.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"I have an idea, the next 4th of July, how about the US Ambassador stick strictly to recognizing the US holiday, and not try to parlay it into some cheap attempt at being "inclusive." It's supposed to be a celebration of the US independence, not to make some political statement about being allied with another country.

I am for the help that the US has provided Japan, and I hope that it continues to do so, but this is just too much pandering."

Alphaape -- totally agree. This is political correctness taken too far. July 4th commorates America's independence and the thousands who have died or been wounded fighting to protect our freedoms. To try to, as you say, "pander" to Japan because they had a natural disaster, cheapens its true meaning. It is not a made-up holiday like Culture Day or Sports Day. It has tradition and special significance that should be respected. Would the Japanese do the same for the U.S. on say the Emperor's Birthday? I think not. Let's leave politics out of the July 4th holiday.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One hypocritical gesture nobody believes in. I hope the fan at least was used by its purpose - fanning. The picture of the day should have been US Ambassador fanning himself.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Once again i will repeat myself. who can't READ! ( WE HONOR JAPAN )! its a positive message!" i don't care who doesn't like it OR who gives thumbs down on a positive message. i simply echo the Positive thoughts that others have stated.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This July 4th We Honor Japan - What exactly does that mean? How is the US honoring Japan?

Is it just some lame gimmick of a phrase (just a feel good factor), or does it translate into something tangible and charitable that I may have missed?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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