Brighton & Hove Albion recently issued an apology after a youth academy post showed Japan international Kaoru Mitoma and a U12 player holding cards with the portrait of WWII officer Hiroo Onoda, sparking outrage among fans across Asia. 😬
The image was shared on the club’s academy account on X on November 27 to celebrate the U12 team's win in the Premier League education program and preview their trip to Belgium for the Christmas Truce Tournament. In the photo, Mitoma and a young teammate proudly display cards featuring Onoda in military uniform.
Hiroo Onoda was the last Japanese soldier to surrender after World War II, laying down arms in 1974 after years in hiding on Lubang Island in the Philippines. His legacy remains controversial, as reports link him to civilian casualties during his decades in the jungle.
Fans in China quickly took to social media to express disappointment and demand an apology. Over the weekend, on November 29, Brighton deleted the post and apologized to their fans in China, stressing the image was a mistake and that they hugely value their support in the region.
The incident didn’t stop there: South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo criticized the club for not acknowledging Japan’s wartime actions on the peninsula, while Filipino fans asked why no apology was offered to the Philippines, where Onoda’s actions directly impacted civilians.
The Christmas Truce Tournament—named after the 1914 WWI ceasefire when British and German soldiers paused fighting to play football—promises U12 players a chance to compete with Europe’s top academies and learn about history through the beautiful game. ⚽🎄
This episode is a reminder that context matters. Here’s hoping Brighton’s next social post hits the back of the net instead of missing the mark! 🙏
Reference(s):
Brighton apologizes over photo of Mitoma holding WWII officer's image
cgtn.com
