Japan demands correction to Equal Earth map over depiction of disputed islands

The Japanese government said Thursday that it has demanded a correction to an Equal Earth world map on a website, claiming that the map uses the same color for Russian territory as it does for four islands that Japan and Russia have a territorial dispute over.

The correction demand was made to the operator of the website via the Japanese Embassy in the United States, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

“Displays that contradict the Japanese government’s position are seen (on the map),” Kihara said at a news conference. “We need to prevent incorrect perceptions regarding our country’s territories and geographical names from spreading,” the top government spokesman stressed.

The map contains a description stating that the islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, are effectively controlled by Russia but also claimed by Japan. The Japanese government maintains that the islands are part of Japan’s inherent territory.

The Equal Earth map projection accurately represents the size of each continent. Earlier this month, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the use of maps using the projection.

At Thursday’s news conference, Kihara noted that the U.N. resolution does not encourage the use of specific maps using the projection.