Michael Cooper · 1977
This is an academic review of The National Atlas of Japan, published by the Japan Map Center in 1977. Compiled by the Geographical Survey Institute of the Ministry of Construction over several years since 1969, the atlas weighs nearly seven kilograms and contains over 300 maps organized into thirteen major categories covering physical features, population, industry, transportation, and society. The review notes that the atlas marks a transformation of the traditional atlas format into a highly technical work depicting the socio-politico-economic complexities of modern industrial society. While praising its superb color printing and high-quality English translation, the reviewer identifies significant drawbacks: statistics are not systematically provided, the data is already becoming obsolete by the time of publication, and the use of the kunrei romanization system may hinder accessibility for overseas users. Despite its considerable value for economists and social scientists, the reviewer questions whether such an expensive and bulky volume best serves its purpose.
Sofus Christiansen · 1978
This review assesses The National Atlas of Japan, compiled by the Geographical Survey Institute after intensive work from 1971 to 1976. Designed for public administration, education, private enterprise, further atlas production, and international dissemination, the volume contains 216 maps with explanatory notes. Its carefully selected projections, thematic techniques, reproduction, and specially manufactured paper demonstrate exceptional cartographic quality. The atlas comprehensively covers Japan’s physical environment, climate, population, economy, transport, society, and culture. Although largely traditional and containing minor flaws in English terminology, it is judged a monumental reference indispensable to future geographical studies of Japan. Its exceptionally high price and demanding storage requirements, however, are likely to restrict wider circulation.
John Sargent · 1978
John Sargent reviews the English-language version of The National Atlas of Japan, compiled by the Geographical Survey Institute, Ministry of Construction, and published by the Japan Map Center in 1977 after years of preparation by government officials, academic specialists and cartographers. Intended chiefly for planners, businesspeople and officials concerned with national resources and land policy, it contains 216 maps, mostly using government data from the early 1970s. Economic themes occupy over two fifths of its content, alongside extensive physical, social and environmental coverage. Its 50 A1 and 166 A2 maps are supplemented by explanatory notes, auxiliary maps, graphs, diagrams and administrative-boundary overlays. Sargent praises the production quality, comprehensive coverage and notes summarizing Japan’s geography. He finds the use of colour shading, proportional symbols, dots and proportional lines generally successful, but criticizes overlapping symbols in concentrated activity zones, notably the Inland Sea shipping map, and information obscured by the centre folds of larger maps. He also notes that temporal change is mapped only for population and railway development. Despite these limitations, he regards the atlas as an exceptionally valuable reference work.
