On September 14th, I happed upon your site http://ontheworldmap.com/oceans-and-seas/sea-of-japan/sea-of-japan-political-map.html to find a map of Korea and neighboring seas and was deeply distressed to find that you have chosen to name designate the East Seas as ‘Sea of Japan.’

It seems extremely inappropriate and frankly appalling, that a company dedicated to maps of all things would be so ill informed to blatantly use such designation with complete lack of regard for the dispute between the two countries.’

Using the proper name for the body of water between Korea and Japan is not simply a question of naming a geographic area but is part of a national effort by the Korean Republic to erase the legacy of Japanese Imperialism and to redress the unfairness that has been resulted from that period. The way African-Americans were enslaved, so was the Korean people.

I urge you to use 'East Sea' to describe the body of water in question or to use both Korean and Japanese designation simultaneously (e.g. 'East Sea/Sea of Japan') in your contents and maps. 

The IHO and UNCSGN, have both agreed that in case of topographical feature shared with two or more countries, yet naming differently in their own languages, all the names in each language should be marked. Once Korea and Japan agree on a common designation, that is in accord with the general rule of international cartography, we will then follow the agreed-on designation. 

A map is more than an image, it is material that should be as correct as possible and based on facts.  It should be politically conscious and equally scientific. As world is ravaged by not only by Covid-19, but racial injustice and discrimination, I feel that your company should do the right thing.   I ask that you contact me with changes and look forward to visiting your site with the implemented change. You can email me at ashleylsylee@gmail.com with your response, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

Sincerely,  

Ashley Lee