Japan and Russia Clash Over New UN Map and Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan Demands Map Correction Over Disputed Kuril Islands

Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara stated that the new cartographic projection contained a depiction that directly contradicts the official position of Tokyo.

“We need to prevent misconceptions of our territories and geographical names from spreading,” Minoru Kihara told reporters, while declining to specify when the government first identified the mapping issue.

The disputed territory, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kuriles, sits within an archipelago between the two nations. The former Soviet Union seized the four islands in 1945 and subsequently expelled the local Japanese population. Both countries continue to claim sovereignty over the land.

Broader Diplomatic Tensions Between Tokyo and Moscow

The mapping dispute follows a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations sparked by a surprise visit to the islands by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In response, Moscow rejected the statements from Tokyo. According to official Russian responses cited in the reporting, Moscow views the position as politically inappropriate, insulting, and legally unfounded. Japan quickly summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the presidential visit.

Global Voting Splits at the United Nations

The UN General Assembly adopted the Equal Earth projection to present a more accurate representation of continental landmasses compared to traditional Mercator projections. Japan joined 164 other UN members in supporting the resolution, while the United States stood alone in voting against it.

Ukraine abstained from the vote because the map depicted occupied Crimea in a different color from the rest of Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian representatives warned that the depiction established a dangerous precedent violating the UN charter and international law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Equal Earth map projection?

The Equal Earth projection is a cartographic model adopted by the UN General Assembly to display continental landmasses with a more accurate representation of relative size than traditional Mercator maps.

Why is Japan protesting the new UN map?

According to Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara, Tokyo objects because the map colors the disputed Kuril islands—referred to in Japan as the Northern Territories—in the same shade as Russia.

Which countries opposed or abstained from the UN map vote?

The United States was the sole nation to vote against the map. Ukraine was among six countries that abstained from the vote over concerns regarding how the map rendered the territory of Crimea.