Hello, I am a student, Seo Hye Ji from Hana Academy Seoul in Republic of Korea (ROK). I have read your dissertation titled “A new species of genus Nippononebria Ueno from Changbai Mountatin…” and saw the map of Northeast Asia where the sea between Korea peninsula and Japan is referred as “Sea of Japan.” I humbly suggest you to use both 'East Sea' and 'Sea of Japan' or only the 'East Sea.'

There are a number of grounds that back up the claim that the current name for the sea should be named as “East Sea.” I will state few of them. First, the Dajokan order, given by the Dajokan (the high administrative body of Japan at the time), confirms that Ulleungdo and Dokdo were islands outside of Japan's territory. Secondly, “Sea of Japan” itself unilaterally reflects Japan’s position in the international community, leaving out contiguous countries like ROK, North Korea, and Russia. This name began to be widely used internationally since the release of the 1929 International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) released “Limits of Oceans and Seas.” At that time, Korea was under Japanese occupation and thus could not take part in the publication process. However, as you know, “East Sea” has been used by Koreans for over 2000 years, and it is part of Koreans’ lives.

Through the efforts of Korean youth at VANK and other campaigns, the world map producing publisher National Geographic, world textbook publisher DK, international sightseeing publisher Lonely Planet, and other well-known organizations have changed to not independently use the term “Sea of Japan” but “East Sea/Sea of Japan” instead, therefore, I sincerely appreciate if you would edit the photo in your dissertation (that could be shared by millions) and join the trend. Please be aware that your paper can largely influence many people! I am looking forward to your positive reply!