Japan Discovers 7,000 Islands

What has been discovered by Japan?

Japan has discovered around 7,000 additional islands using modern mapping technology. This is the country's first geographical survey after 35 years. Most of the newly-found islands are located off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture.

Japan's Geospatial Information Authority will submit a report on the country's updated map in March 2023.

The islands will be named by the government to formalise their inclusion in the country. The Japanese government will name the islands to identify them as their own, just as our parents named us to identify us as their children.

When was the previous estimate for the number of islands made?

The previous estimate was made in 1987. The technology used in 1987 was unable to differentiate between groups of small islands, instead recognising them as a single location.

Currently, Japan is recording islands that have always existed but have gone unnoticed. But, the creation of new islands on its territory is common. Volcanic activity has resulted in the formation of new islands. One such island was discovered in 2021.

The government in Tokyo (Japan’s capital) has also asked that local governments identify unnamed islands to increase Japan's influence in the region. This is due to a conflict between Japan and China over control of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

What is the dispute between Japan and China?

The Senkaku Islands are a group of small, uninhabited islands that Japan and China both claim. The two countries have argued about who owns the islands.

The islands are near important shipping lines, have large fishing grounds, and may have oil reserves. So, both countries seek to own the islands, which has caused conflict between them.

Even though the situation has not been solved, both countries must talk with one another to reach a peaceful solution.

What would you do if you discovered a new island? Will you allow people to visit it or keep it as a secret hideout?