To Whom It May Concern:

I recently visited your website https://www.seabourn.com/en_US/ports/sea-of-japan.html and was deeply distressed to find that you have chosen to name your cruise to the East Seas as ‘Sea of Japan.’

With a large number of influential Korean population in the Seattle area, it seems extremely inappropriate and frankly appalled,  that a company of your caliber, based in Seattle would be so ill informed to blatantly advertise your cruises in this fashion. 

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, will then use 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.

Sincerely,

Ashley Lee.