TOKYO (TR) – The Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Division has abruptly scrapped a newly unveiled company logo featuring a gun-wielding elephant and a human skull following a wave of fierce public criticism, reports NHK (May 4).
Based at Camp Nerima in the capital, the 1st Division regiment proudly announced the new emblem on X on April 29. The bizarre design depicted an elephant clutching a firearm, with a human skull emblazoned prominently across its chest.
The design quickly sparked widespread backlash on social media. Netizens flooded the platform with complaints, arguing that the violent and morbid imagery was wholly inappropriate for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
Bowing to the intense online pressure, the regiment announced on May 2 that it would halt any further use of the emblem.
“We have received a variety of opinions,” the regiment stated in a follow-up post on X. “The unit’s logo was created with the purpose of boosting morale and enhancing a sense of belonging among our members. However, we must also emphasize the importance of gaining proper understanding and approachability from the public. After comprehensively considering these points, we have decided to discontinue the use of this logo.”
