Japan Protests World Map Coloring of Disputed Northern Territories
- Japan has formally requested alterations to an Equal Earth world map that colors the Russian-controlled Northern Territories the same shade as Russia, according to reports from Tokyo.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated that the Japanese government considers it necessary to prevent incorrect perceptions from spreading regarding the nation's territory and geographical names.
- The map depicts the Japanese archipelago in blue, while the Northern Territories appear in the exact color assigned to Russian territory.
Japan has formally requested alterations to an Equal Earth world map that colors the Russian-controlled Northern Territories the same shade as Russia, according to reports from Tokyo. The diplomatic push has prompted cartographer Tom Patterson to announce revisions to the map’s Japanese-language edition, while the English-language version will maintain its current depiction.
Diplomatic Protests and the Equal Earth Projection
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated that the Japanese government considers it necessary to prevent incorrect perceptions from spreading regarding the nation’s territory and geographical names. Japanese diplomatic missions overseas contacted the website operator to request corrections to the map, according to government statements. Kihara stressed that Tokyo would continue responding in a manner that ensures Japan’s territorial position remains intact. The disputed map utilizes the Equal Earth projection, which is designed to represent the relative sizes of countries and continents more accurately. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on September 4 encouraging international use of this specific projection. Cartographer Tom Patterson, one of the co-creators of the Equal Earth projection, publishes the map online free of charge. Patterson explained that he consulted maps produced by U.S. government agencies and other external sources when designing the layout.
Cartographer Response and Language Versions
The map depicts the Japanese archipelago in blue, while the Northern Territories appear in the exact color assigned to Russian territory. Additionally, the islands carry Russian-language labels accompanied by an explanatory note stating they are effectively controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan. Patterson noted in an interview that mapmakers occasionally face situations that must be depicted even when the underlying circumstances are undesirable. While he agreed to alter the Japanese-language version so that the Northern Territories match the color of the Japanese archipelago, he intends to keep the current coloring on the English-language version to reflect the reality of effective control.
