Japan Requests Revision of Equal Earth World Map Over Disputed Northern Territories

Japan has formally asked the operator of an online Equal Earth world map to alter the depiction of the four islands it calls the Northern Territories (Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai group). The Japanese government argues that this presentation contradicts its official position that the islands are an integral part of Japan.

A precedent for occupied territories: Japan demands a change to the map where the Kuril Islands were marked as Russian Japan Demands Correction to Equal Earth Map Japan Challenges World Map Showing Disputed Islands in Russia's Color

The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945 and have remained under Russian administration ever since. Japan maintains that they were not included in the territories renounced under the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty and therefore remain Japanese sovereign land. The dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty to conclude World War II hostilities.

A precedent for occupied territories: Japan demands a change to the map where the Kuril Islands were marked as Russian The Guardian

In August 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the islands, prompting a strong protest from Tokyo. The visit heightened sensitivity to any representation that might appear to legitimize Russian control.

The Guardian

Separately, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on September 4 encouraging the use of the Equal Earth equal-area projection for world maps. The resolution does not define borders or confer legal status on any territory.

A precedent for occupied territories: Japan demands a change to the map where the Kuril Islands were marked as Russian

• “We lodged a protest with the map site’s operator through our diplomatic channel to demand the correction of this depiction,” — Cabinet Secretary Kihara, chief cabinet secretary

Japan Demands Correction to Equal Earth Map

• In a press conference, Kihara added that “Displays that contradict the Japanese government's position are seen (on the map).” “Displays that contradict the Japanese government's position are seen (on the map),” — Cabinet Secretary Kihara, chief cabinet secretary

Japan Demands Correction to Equal Earth Map

• Tom Patterson, co-creator of the Equal Earth projection, said the Japanese-language version will be revised so the islands appear in the same color as the Japanese archipelago, while the English version will retain the current coloring to reflect “the situation of effective control.” He explained that he consulted U.S. government maps and other sources when designing the map.

Japan Challenges World Map Showing Disputed Islands in Russia's Color Japan Demands Correction to Equal Earth Map A precedent for occupied territories: Japan demands a change to the map where the Kuril Islands were marked as Russian

U.S. officials have criticized the UN-adopted map, arguing that differing color treatments for disputed territories could set a precedent that undermines international law. The criticism was voiced after the map’s adoption, noting that similar treatment of Crimea in a prior UN vote had been described as opening a “Pandora’s box.”

The Guardian

• The map’s creator intends to keep the English-language version unchanged, citing the need to reflect Russia’s de facto control, while the Japanese-language version will be altered to align with Tokyo’s claim. This dual approach creates a discrepancy between language versions that has not been resolved.

Japan Challenges World Map Showing Disputed Islands in Russia's Color

• No specific timeline has been provided for when the revised Japanese version will be published, and the UN resolution does not obligate any party to adopt a particular cartographic representation.

The Guardian

Japan has indicated that it will continue diplomatic engagement with the map’s operator to ensure the Japanese-language version reflects its territorial claim. The map’s English version is expected to remain as is, preserving the depiction of effective Russian administration. Further developments may depend on additional diplomatic exchanges between Tokyo, Moscow, and the map’s publisher.

Japan Challenges World Map Showing Disputed Islands in Russia's Color