Dressing as a nurse this Halloween? Adding a red cross breaks the law.
Often mistaken for a general symbol of medical care, the red cross is protected under the law and reserved for specific humanitarian purposes.
As Halloween enthusiasts prepare to adorn themselves in nurse costumes and other disguises, the Japanese Red Cross Society warns that utilizing the recognizable red cross emblem without proper authorization is unlawful, even when used as a costume embellishment. The emblem, frequently misconstrued as a general emblem for medical aid, is safeguarded under international and domestic statutes and is reserved for specific humanitarian objectives.
Instituted under the Geneva Conventions to distinguish individuals and facilities that must not be targeted during armed conflicts, the Red Cross emblem is classified in Japan as a symbol exclusive to the Japanese Red Cross Society and those granted permission by it. Unauthorized usage of the emblem can result in imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to ¥300,000 ($1,900).
According to Akihiko Saito, an official at the Japanese Red Cross Society, "The Red Cross emblem is not a symbol denoting medical care. It is a final hope amidst emergencies." The organization cautions that the casual use of the emblem during peacetime could diminish its significance when it is most crucial. Since 2022, the organization has periodically reminded individuals via social media around Halloween not to incorporate the symbol on costumes or accessories.
The emblem is not confined to a particular hue or cross design. This directive aims to prevent people or facilities from being targeted merely because they are unable to replicate the exact design amidst the chaos of armed confrontation. Similar symbols are also prohibited, including crosses in shades of red like pink and crosses of diverse shapes.
The organization emphasizes that individuals should also refrain from using the emblem on nurse uniforms, caps, or even medicine containers. MalyMoon, a cosplay costume retailer with establishments in Tokyo's Akihabara district and Shanghai, provides 40 varieties of nurse costumes for this year's Halloween. The company employs heart motifs and accessories such as toy syringes to evoke the appearance without utilizing the Red Cross emblem.
"We were cognizant of the prohibition on using the red cross emblem, but the Japanese Red Cross Society's warning has reinforced our vigilance," stated an official from a company operating the store. With your current subscription tier, commenting on stories is not feasible. Please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page prior to submitting your initial comment. Please refer to our FAQ for more details.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
