Japan

Sofus Christiansen

This is a review of the Atlas of Japan (1970), edited by R. Isida. The atlas comprises 73 maps with trilingual text in English, French, and Spanish, priced at 20 USD. The reviewer notes that the atlas centers on economic geography, covering 46 traditionally significant topics, mostly based on prefectural statistics. Social geography is underrepresented (only 3-5 maps), physical geography topics are conventional, while economic maps show more creativity, such as those depicting commuting fields of Hanshin, Tokyo, and Keihin. Despite drawbacks like inconsistent map scales and paper quality, the atlas is deemed an indispensable reference for Japanese geography given its rich content and reasonable price, with hopes for future updates.

高崎正義

This is an academic book review of the Atlas of Japan — physical, Economical and Social —, published in 1970 by the International Society for Educational Information. The atlas, subsidized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to accurately introduce Japan's actual conditions to overseas audiences. It was edited by Ryūjirō Ishida, with contributions from multiple specialists in their respective fields. The main body consists of 73 multi-colored maps (at scales from 1:4,000,000 to 1:10,000,000) and 64 pages of explanatory text in English, French, and Spanish. The review notes that the atlas surpasses previous commercial publications in source material scrutiny, cartographic expression, and reproduction techniques. The selection and composition of map plates are generally appropriate, with particular commendation for the clear presentation of Japan's official position on territorial issues such as the Northern Territories. While a few plates show mismatches between content density and map scale, the overall composition is unified and successfully presents Japan's actual conditions in a fair manner. The review concludes that, in the absence of a Japanese national atlas, this publication will serve as a quasi-national atlas for overseas audiences for the foreseeable future.

E. A. Keen

This is an academic review of the Atlas of Japan: Physical, Economic, and Social, published in 1970. Compiled by the International Society for Education Information, the atlas aims to correct erroneous and outdated information about Japan in foreign publications. The review notes that the atlas contains 64 pages of color maps covering topics found in most national thematic atlases, plus unique features such as maps of daily population flow in major metropolitan centers and regional productivity of agricultural labor. Cartographic quality is generally high, but issues include outdated data (e.g., population maps based on the 1960 census), poorly chosen English titles and legends, and unfamiliar romanization of place names. Despite these shortcomings, the review concludes that the atlas is a valuable addition to reference materials on Japan and suitable as a basic text for introductory geography courses, though its price may limit widespread adoption.

Wolf Tietze

This review evaluates two major geographical works on Japan: the Atlas of Japan (1970) published by the International Society for Educational Information, with English labeling and trilingual explanatory text, and Martin Schwind's German-language Das Japanische Inselreich, Volume I (1967). The article notes that Japan's cultural diversity, population size, and economic dynamism make it a vital subject for geographical study, yet language barriers—particularly the use of Chinese characters—restrict foreign scholarship. The atlas contains 73 thematic maps covering geology, climate, vegetation, population, cities, agriculture, industry, and transportation, with impeccable printing and rich content, but lacks a topographical base map and place-name index; the author suggests a supplementary volume for enhanced utility. Schwind's work, based on four decades of intensive research, offers a deep analysis of Japan's natural landscape across six chapters, demonstrating the author's refined interpretation of cultural landscapes. Both works fill critical gaps in Western geographical knowledge of Japan, each with distinct strengths and limitations.

R. Ogrissek

This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the Atlas of Japan, published in 1970. The atlas is classified as a medium-sized national atlas, covering topics in physical geography, population, and economic geography. The reviewer analyzes the cartographic design in detail, including scale selection, symbol systems, color usage, and the effectiveness of information presentation. The review notes that the atlas excels in its physical geography sections (such as geological, oceanographic, and land-use maps), which are informative and visually appealing; however, in the population and economic sections, some maps suffer from symbol overlap due to poorly chosen symbol scales, compromising readability. Overall, the atlas is well-printed and demonstrates Japan's advanced cartographic technology, though certain cartographic details could be improved.

H. Boesch

This is a review of the second edition (1974) of the Atlas of Japan: Physical, Economic and Social, published by the International Society for Educational Information, Tokyo, edited by R. Isida. Compared with the first edition (1970), this new edition incorporates the latest available statistics throughout. Professors A. Ebato (Meiji University) and K. Watanabe (Hosei University) participated in the editorial work. The romanization system has been changed from the official kunrei-shiki to the conventional English spelling, addressing difficulties noted in the 1970 review. A new feature of this edition is an accompanying overview map of Japan at 1:2,000,000 scale (southern islands at 1:3,500,000), which is of particular interest due to the inclusion of projected expressways and high-speed rail lines; it is dated 1974. This updated atlas serves all those seeking information about Japan, and its various thematic maps also offer inspiration for graphic design.

Robert Hall

This review evaluates the 'Atlas of Japan: Physical, Economic and Social' (2nd edition, 1974), edited by Akira Ebato and Kazuo Watanabe. The atlas features outstanding cartography, vivid colors, and clear statistical tables, offering a visual overview of Japan's demographic and economic patterns. Its content covers physical environment, population and urban patterns, agriculture and fisheries, mining and manufacturing, international trade, transportation, mass media, and national parks, though it omits air and water pollution. The supplement provides concise geographical summaries in English, French, and Spanish, with historical and comparative insights. Overall, the atlas serves as a valuable reference for understanding Japan's modernization, combining academic rigor with aesthetic appeal.

Michael Cooper

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

This review evaluates The National Atlas of Japan, published in 1977 by the Geographical Survey Institute. The atlas aimed to serve public administration, education, private enterprise, and international outreach, compiled over six years with 216 meticulously crafted maps and notes. It employs an oblique conic projection, covering diverse themes from physical and climatic conditions to population, economy, transport, and socio-cultural aspects, with high-quality reproduction. Despite minor translation flaws, it stands as a monumental geographic work, though its price and size limit widespread distribution.

John Sargent

The National Atlas of Japan, compiled by the Geographical Survey Institute, Ministry of Construction, and first published by the Japan Map Center in Tokyo in 1977, represents the most advanced and comprehensive atlas ever published in Japan. This review of its English edition highlights that the atlas comprises 216 maps, including 50 in A1 format at a scale of 1:2,500,000 and 166 in A2 format at a scale of 1:4,000,000, accompanied by explanatory notes, auxiliary maps, graphs, and transparent overlays. Designed primarily for planners, businessmen, and civil servants involved in national resource development and land policy, the thematic maps cover agriculture, industry, communications, and trade. The atlas meets the highest international standards, with excellent binding, color representation, and printing quality, while the detailed explanatory notes provide a valuable summary of Japan's physical, social, and economic geography.

H. Boesch

This paper compares two national atlases published in the 1970s: the National Atlas of Japan (English edition, 1977) and the Atlas of the German Democratic Republic (first delivery, 1976). Although both share a similar basic structure—from overview and physical geography to population and economy—they differ significantly in content emphasis: the GDR atlas prioritizes socialist production, while the Japanese atlas focuses more on services, social conditions, and cultural institutions. Furthermore, the GDR atlas utilizes the reverse sides of map sheets for multilingual legends and supplementary information, whereas the Japanese atlas provides extensive textual and graphic explanations for each thematic section, resembling a small geographic encyclopedia. The paper also discusses cartographic style, color usage, scale differences, and the application of semiology in thematic mapping, noting that the Japanese atlas is more traditional while the GDR atlas is more modern in symbol standardization.

W. Albrecht

This review assesses the 1977 English edition of the National Atlas of Japan, published by the Japan Map Center. Compiled over five years, it aims to serve economic practice, provide information, and act as a reference for foreigners and cartographic works. The reviewer notes its comprehensive coverage of physical, population, economic, and social themes with good cartographic methods, but criticizes inconsistent data bases, missing topics (e.g., commuting, industrial output), and coarse administrative units. Despite these flaws, it surpasses the 1974 atlas and is a valuable geographic reference.

陈逢珍

This paper reviews the population map series in the National Atlas of Japan, published by the Geographical Survey Institute in 1978. The series comprises 25 main maps, 9 supplementary maps, and 114 statistical charts, systematically depicting Japan's population distribution, composition, and changes. The review highlights its notable features: comprehensive content, detailed representation (via multiple indicators, fine classification, and varied statistical units), the use of triangular diagrams and qualitative base methods, effective employment of statistical charts, and unique approaches to annotation and symbol placement. It also notes the absence of an ethnic composition map as a shortcoming. This review serves as a reference for thematic map compilation in China.

李海晨

The National Atlas of Japan, edited by the Geographical Survey Institute of the Ministry of Construction, was first published in 1977 and reprinted in 1978. It is the latest and largest national atlas of Japan, designed to comprehensively present various aspects of the country and provide essential data for national and regional planning. The atlas primarily uses scales of 1:2.5 million and 1:4 million with an oblique projection, featuring over 300 thematic maps covering natural conditions, economy, politics, and society. Each main map is accompanied by explanatory text and illustrations, along with transparent overlay films and index tables. Despite the drawback of a deep central gutter affecting readability, its rich content and superior cartographic techniques make it an exemplary atlas.

Sofus Christiansen

This is an academic review of the revised edition of 'The National Atlas of Japan,' compiled by the Geographical Survey Institute and published by the Japan Map Center in 1990. The atlas, comprising 218 pages in A2 format and approximately 500 maps, covers physical, social, and economic aspects, and is hailed as the most comprehensive national atlas to date. The review praises its exceptional printing quality and professional depth, highlighting unique features such as the average date of first annual observation of the cabbage butterfly and well-illustrated seismic and crustal movement data. Despite limitations like data obsolescence (mostly from 1985) and agricultural yields expressed in values rather than tons per hectare, the review concludes that the atlas sets a new standard for national atlases.