"We Must Stop Japan's 'Kamikaze' Cheering at the World Cup" Seo Kyung-duk Urges Reports

"If 'Kamikaze' Cheering Appears, It Will Be Reported to FIFA"

As the opening of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup approaches, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University stated that "Japan's use of the 'Kamikaze' (神風) cheer must be stopped."

On June 11, through his Facebook page, Professor Seo said, "The World Cup is the greatest event on Earth, bringing soccer fans from around the globe together through football, but there is one thing we need to pay close attention to."

He explained, "During the last Qatar World Cup, when Japanese supporters cheered with the Rising Sun flag, stadium security personnel immediately intervened to stop it," and added, "This was highly significant as it was an official action by FIFA to prevent cheering with the Rising Sun flag."

Professor Seokyeong Deok of Sungshin Women's University Facebook

However, Professor Seo pointed out, "In other matches, Japanese supporters were seen cheering while holding 'Kamikaze' T-shirts," and added, "If you look at the shirts, the words 'Kami' (神) and 'Kaze' (風) are clearly printed." Kamikaze refers to the Japanese suicide attack units that crashed bomb-laden fighter planes into enemy warships towards the end of World War II.

He also emphasized, "During the previous South Africa World Cup, there was controversy when Japanese supporters wore 'Kamikaze' headbands while cheering," and continued, "If 'Kamikaze' cheering appears once again at the upcoming North and Central America World Cup, following South Africa and Qatar, FIFA must take action to stop it."

Furthermore, he stated, "If such 'Kamikaze' cheering is witnessed, I will first report it to FIFA and alert the international press gathered for the North and Central America World Cup," and added, "I will work to ensure, through global public opinion, that 'Kamikaze' cheering never appears again on the World Cup stage." Finally, Professor Seo requested, "If you spot any 'Kamikaze' cheering at the World Cup site or on TV, please report it immediately."

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