The Japanese government will present a replica of a world map made in 1856 on which "Japan Sea" is written in German, to Germany.
According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the map, which has been kept by the Japan Coast Guard, backs Japan's claim that the term "Sea of Japan" has historically been used around the world.
In recent years, South Korea has appealed to the international community to also refer to the waters as the "East Sea." Japan claims that the designation "Sea of Japan" has been used internationally since the 19th century and that Seoul's claims lack foundation.
The map was printed using copper plates. According to records, the Japanese Navy's hydrographic department -- currently the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of Japan Coast Guard -- received the map from Germany in 1938, with the JCG preserving the map.
The circumstances in which Germany gave the map to Japan are unclear. Berlin requested a replica of the map as a "historically valuable material," an offer accepted by Japan.
The map references "JAPANISCHES M," the German expression for the Sea of Japan.
"This is evidence that the title 'Sea of Japan' was recognized globally," a senior Foreign Ministry official said.
A ceremony at which the map will be presented to Germany will be held in Hamburg, Germany, on March 25. Participants will include Kikuko Kato, Japanese Consul General to Hamburg, and the president of the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
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