To Whom It May Concern:

I visited your website https://nationaltrusttours.com/tour/ancient-traditions-of-the-inland-sea-of-japan-2/

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 of your caliber and international standing 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.

Therefore, 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. 

According to IHO and UNCSGN, 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. 

While the 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 would be grateful for your explanation as to why you chose to use ‘Sea of Japan’ and look forward to visiting your site with the needed changes implemented.

If you could email me at ashleylsylee@gmail.com with your response it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ashley Lee