Japan Calls for Revision of Equal Earth Map Over Territorial Dispute
By Editor • September 10, 2026 • 1 min read
The Japanese government has formally requested a revision of a world map featured on the Equal Earth website, asserting that the depiction of disputed islands alongside Russian territory is misleading. This demand was conveyed through the Japanese Embassy in the United States, as announced by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara on Thursday.
Kihara expressed concerns during a press conference, stating, "Displays that contradict the Japanese government’s position are seen on the map." He emphasized the necessity to curb the spread of misinformation regarding Japan's territorial claims, particularly concerning the islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan, which are under Russian control but claimed by Japan.
The Equal Earth map, recognized for its accurate representation of continental sizes, includes a note indicating the islands' contentious status. While the U.N. General Assembly recently adopted a resolution advocating for the use of this map projection, Kihara clarified that the resolution does not endorse any specific map, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity of the issue.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
#Equal Earth #Japan #Northern Territories #Russia #territorial dispute
