THE RISE OF THE RISING SUN EMBLEM OF THE IMPERIAL JAPAN SYMBOL OF WW2 THAT SWEPT THROUGH ASIA WITH MASSACRE EFFECT IS TAKING ROOT AS NIKE PROLIFIRATES THE IMPERIAL SYMBOL TO THE WORLD AS THE JAPAN OF THE 21ST CENTURY WHITE WASHES ITS HISTORY ALONG WITH THOSE IGNORANT OF THE PAST WHO ARE WILLING TO REPEAT IT THROUGH ITS IGNORANCE THEREOF - AIR MICHAEL JORDAN SYMBOLIZING THE RISING SUN OF WW2 JAPAN WITH ITS NEW SNEAKER

“It’s gotta be the shoes!” exclaimed director Spike Lee in the hit Air Jordan shoe commercial of the 1990s, images of which were soon branded into the minds of sports fans around the world.

Since then, basketball legend Michael Jordan’s sneakers have transcended sports gear to become symbols of pop culture and must-have items for anyone striving to “be like Mike.”

But the shoes have become a social hot potato in Korea, as the design of the recently released Air Jordan 12 retro The Master has stirred up controversy for using an image of Japan’s Rising Sun flag.

While the symbol is widely used in pop culture, clothing and footwear, it is still viewed as a symbol of Japanese imperialism by many Koreans, who are offended by its use.

Nike Korea removed the sneakers from its stores last month after the controversy.

“We understand the sensitivity of this issue and we apologize for any offense caused. The Air Jordan 12 will no longer be sold in Korea,” Nike Korea told The Korea Herald in a statement.

But Koreans are left wondering what the leading sportswear company’s position is on the contentious design.

Seo Kyoung-duk, professor of general education at Sungshin Women’s University, sent a letter of complaint to Nike and Michael Jordan about the matter but he has yet to receive a reply.

“Although Nike Korea issued an apology and stopped selling it in Korea, it is still being retailed all over the world. Imperial Japan inflicted pain upon many Asian countries; It is not just a matter between Seoul and Tokyo,” said Seo, adding he will continue raising the issue to Nike.

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160407000619