Japan has formally requested a revision of a newly adopted United Nations world map, according to Japanese government statements, stating that the cartographic representation incorrectly depicts the disputed Kuril islands as belonging to Russia.
Japan Demands UN Map Correction Over Kuril Islands Depiction
Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara announced that Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest regarding the new UN map, known as the Equal Earth projection. According to Kihara, the map contained a depiction contradicting the Japanese government’s position by showing the Kuril islands—referred to in Japan as the Northern Territories—in the same color as Russia.
“We lodged a protest with the map site’s operator through our diplomatic channel to demand the correction of this depiction,” Kihara told reporters, declining to specify when officials first identified the issue. He added that Japan needs to prevent misconceptions of its territories and geographical names from spreading.
The disputed island chain was seized in 1945 by the former Soviet Union, which expelled the Japanese population. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently called the islands an inherent part of Japan’s territory under international law, following a surprise visit to the region by Russian President Vladimir Putin that prompted Tokyo to summon Moscow’s ambassador.
Did you know? The Equal Earth cartographic projection was adopted by the UN General Assembly to present a more accurate representation of continental landmasses compared to traditional Mercator projections, though it has sparked multiple diplomatic disputes over border lines.
Ukraine Abstains Over Crimea and Warns of Precedent
Disputes over the UN map extend beyond Tokyo. Ukraine abstained from the General Assembly vote because the cartographic tool depicted occupied Crimea in a different color from the rest of the Ukrainian territory. Representatives for Ukraine warned at the UN that the depiction opens a “Pandora’s box” that violates the UN charter and international law.
Ukraine was among six countries that abstained during last week’s vote on the map resolution. Meanwhile, the United States also condemned aspects of the new cartographic standard, which shrinks North America and Europe visually while enlarging the African continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Japan protesting the new UN world map?
According to Japanese government officials, the new Equal Earth map depicts the disputed Kuril islands—known in Japan as the Northern Territories—in the same color as Russia, contradicting Tokyo’s territorial claims.
What is the Equal Earth map?
The Equal Earth projection is a cartographic standard adopted by the UN General Assembly to present a more accurate visual representation of continental landmasses, enlarging Africa while shrinking North America and Europe compared to traditional Mercator maps.
Why did Ukraine abstain from the UN map vote?
Ukrainian representatives abstained because the map displayed occupied Crimea in a different color than the rest of Ukraine, which officials warned violated the UN charter.
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