Japanese Mapping of Asia-Pacific Areas, 1873-1945: An Overview

Abstract

Japanese mapping in the Asia-Pacific region up to 1945 calls for scrutiny, because its development was a multifaceted process with military, administrative, political, and cultural dimensions. This article traces the changes in Japanese mapping of overseas areas to the end of World War II and assesses the significance of the resulting maps, called gaihōzu, as sources for East Asian history. As implements of military operation and colonial administration, the gaihōzu were produced during a protracted period by various means under changing circumstances. Expanding military activity also promoted differentiation among the gaihōzu by increasing the use of maps originally produced in foreign countries. In conclusion, the need for detailed cataloging, in combination with chronologically arranged index mapping, is emphasized for the systematic use of the gaihōzu.Cross-Currents: East Asian History and Culture Review E-Journal No. 2 (March 2012) • (http://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-2) 2009; Butlin 2009, 325-349). Particularly intensive studies of historical cartography concerning the former British colonies have been carried out (Barrow 2008;Edney 1997;Stone 1995). These studies suggest that similar frameworks are applicable for historical study of cartography in other areas.Japanese mapping in the Asia-Pacific region up to 1945 is a typical case that calls for scrutiny of this kind. After the Meiji Restoration, Japan made continual efforts to extend its cartographic knowledge of surrounding areas as well as to upgrade the techniques of its surveyors. Modern surveying methods, including triangulation and aerial photogrammetry, were applied extensively in the later phase (Kobayashi 2011). After Taiwan and Korea were annexed, colonial governments produced thematic maps covering hydrography, geology, soil, industry, population, and urban planning in addition to topographical maps of the territories (Sŏul Yŏksa Pangmulgwan 2006;Wei et al. 2008). Meanwhile, maps designed for the general public documented the expanding sphere of influence of the Japanese empire and the progress of its battles, which followed one after another. Bird's-eye views of the colonies and their cities were also actively produced, carrying on the early modern tradition of Japanese commercial mapmaking (Zhuang 1996). The development of Japanese overseas cartography during these decades was a multifaceted process with military, administrative, political, and cultural dimensions. It represented neither a simple accumulation of geographical intelligence

Imperial Mapping During the Arrow War: Its Process and Repercussions on the Cartography in China and Japan

“…On the other hand, the translations of British and French maps and charts in Japan were selective and strategic. Reviewing the subsequent development of Japanese mapping, these translations look like a preliminary step toward the mapping conducted overseas by the Japanese Kobayashi 2012 . Japan learnt much about imperial cartography from Western countries' mapping in China during the Arrow War.…”

“…After the end of the expedition to Formosa, the translation of maps, charts, and books concerning the Arrow War were still printed because the military tension between China and Japan continued. The Soldiers' Riot in 1882 and the Gapsin Coup in 1884 in Korea are considered to be subsequent peaks of this long lasting tension up to the breaking out of the Sino-Japanese War in 1894 Kobayashi 2012 . A map of Peking and large scale charts of the route to it complement those printed in 1874.…”

Imperial Practice and the Making of Modern Japan's Territory: Towards a Reconsideration of Empire’s Boundaries

“…In terms of land itself, of mapping territories into the Japanese Empire, the cartographic production undertaken by the kaitakushi was of obvious significance in other areas of the Empire. While areas of Japan already under cultivation underwent a Land Tax Reform during the years 1873-1881, the surveying of these newly opened lands of Hokkaido provided not only the techniques, but also the pattern of institutional arrangements that would subsequently be utilized in the cadastral surveys that were later undertaken in Okinawa (1898-1903), Taiwan (1898-1905, Korea (1910Korea ( -1918 and Kwantung (1914Kwantung ( -1924 (Fedman 2012;Kobayashi 2012). While those undertaken within Japan proper relied on local officials and the inhabitants themselves, the latter surveys were all carried out by specialized staff as part of the local administration.…”

Imperial Cartography in East Asia from the Late 18^th Century to the Early 20^th Century: An Overview

“…Mapping was necessary not only for land registration, by which ownership was established and the extent of taxation demarcated, but also for the development of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and irrigation canals. Unlike in the urgent wartime surveys, triangulation was applied in these surveys to improve cartographic accuracy Hafeneder 2008 : 157 160 ; Kobayashi 2012 .…”