TO make a map is serious and responsible work. People depend on mapmakers to find their way when they are in unknown areas. But not only the relations between the distances must be correct. Symbols on maps have to be easy to understand and the different colors used to distinguish woods and desserts must be explained in a legend. And how do draw a mountain from above? The images on this page are fragments of nineteen and twentieth century maps that can be found in the National Archive of Japan. All the areas you see are Japanese territory.

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