Public broadcaster NHK apologized Wednesday over a cartoon drawing of Adolf Hitlers face that was printed on a T-shirt worn by a talk show guest.
The black T-shirt worn by entrepreneur Takafumi Horie also carried a NO WAR message on one side and a peace symbol on the cartoon Hitlers chest. Horie was a guest on NHKs Afternoon Live daily talk show the same day.
The T-shirt prompted complaints from viewers.
During the program, the NHK announcer, who is also the shows co-host, apologized. Responding to a tweet asking about the Hitler cartoon, Horie said it was meant to be an anti-war message.
Horie also said on Twitter that he was stunned by the impact of NHK.
I have worn a shirt showing Hitler making a peace sign with the words NO WAR a number of times, but this is the first time (my wearing this kind of shirt) went viral, he said.
He added, Whichever way you look at it, wishing for peace is the only message you can see from this T-shirt.
Its not the first time Hitler and Nazi themes have raised controversy in Japan. Much of Asia is less sensitive about Hitler and the use of Nazi themes than the West.
Last month, the Bank of Japan issued a rare apology following criticism over a board members remark that was interpreted as praise for Hitlers economic policy.
Finance Minister Taro Aso in 2013 was forced to retract comments suggesting Japan should follow the Nazi example in how to change the countrys Constitution.
Last year, Keyakizaka46, an all-girl idol group, was criticized for wearing outfits resembling Nazi uniforms.
