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Neutrality Commitment|
This project does not aim to criticize or defend any specific historical narrative or nation. We objectively present differences in textbook and official descriptions to encourage multi-faceted understanding.
ArchivePlace name/designation problem19th century-presentSea of Japan
Description of the name of the Sea of Japan
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JapanPlace name/designation problem19th century-presentSea of Japan
Description of the name of the Sea of Japan
Source:Official position of the Japanese government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (general description)
Source Nature:
Official Government StatementVia Translation
"Sea of Japan" is the only internationally established name, and the Japanese government has consistently maintained its legitimacy.
The name Sea of Japan was spontaneously established in the international community as a result of European exploration and surveying in the early 19th century. The Japanese government refutes the claim that the name spread as a result of Japan's colonial rule and imperialism, saying that this is contrary to fact. According to a survey by the Japanese government, the overwhelming majority of 19th century Western maps used the term "Sea of Japan," and this name had been established even before Korea became a colony.
"Japan Sea" has been used in "Boundaries of Oceans and Seas (S-23)" published by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) since its first edition in 1929. In 2020, the IHO decided to transition to a new method of managing S-23 using numerical identifiers, but the Japanese government has stated that this will not affect the existing name of "Sea of Japan." The United Nations has also officially used the term "Sea of Japan," and this policy was confirmed in a 2004 statement by the United Nations Secretariat. The Japanese government says South Korea's claim was first raised at the United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Place Names in 1992, and there is no basis for overturning long-standing international practice.
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Notes on this comparison
This comparison is based on general descriptions from official or widely used history textbooks in each country. While minor nuances may change in translation, the goal is to highlight differences in how major events are perceived, the order of description, and what is emphasized. In particular, notable differences in the naming of events and the background of their occurrence can be seen between "Japan" and "Korea".