Addition of Korean name for Sea of Japan becomes law in Virginia

It is a source of intense bitterness for Koreans that the “Sea of Japan” was standardized worldwide while Korea was under Japanese colonial rule.

The Japanese Government's survey of historical maps confirms that the name Sea of Japan was already prevalent at the early 19th century. Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867) had an isolationist policy, and was unable to exercise any influence to establish the name Sea of Japan. Consequently, the ROK's assertion that the name Sea of Japan became widespread as a result of "expansionism and colonial rule" in the latter half of the 19th century is wholly invalid.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/maritime/japan/

Personally, this is such a minor issue in the general scheme of South Korea-Japan relations.

Just give it a second English name or note than in Korea it is called something else.

Time to move on.

Next up, the Gulf of Mexico.

And next, China has a problem with the Indian Ocean.

And how about the Gulf of California.

seriously, the koreans have nothing better to do? this is one state in the US, and it has little implication for the US or the world. so basically the koreans paid a ton of money for nothing. what a waste.

This is ridiculous. Seriously, what's next?

By the same logic, if enough Chinese-Americans (and they must be many!) lobby for changing the name of Alaska to New Shanghai, some governor may sign it?

Next up the Irish Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Straits of Gibraltar, and the Indian Ocean.

Pathetic, so of us are deperately trying to get away from this ancient school of thought you know. Further proof of us humans being far from civilised.

By the same logic, if enough Chinese-Americans (and they must be many!) lobby for changing the name of Alaska to New Shanghai, some governor may sign it?

Hey, every vote is important in an election year...

The Korean-Americans of Virginia have just scored a brilliant own goal. They have just made Koreans appear very childish and petty. This will taint English speaker's thought about other actually serious issues concerning Korean-Japanese relations. As a PR move, its abysmal.

It is a source of intense bitterness for Koreans that the “Sea of Japan” was standardized worldwide while Korea was under Japanese colonial rule.

So what else did English speakers call it at the time? Seems a crucial question.

Legislation requiring that the Korean name for the Sea of Japan be included in new school textbooks

I am afraid not. That is not the Korean name. Its a translation. And to English speakers in their western countries, it makes little sense. And its not that I am against change or that I am defending Japan. Its just that something like the East Asian Sea would work, but just East Sea does not.

Last but not least, history and geography should be left to respected people in those fields, not to lobbyists and politicians seeking votes and donations.

Some many facetious comments. I see nothing wrong with this - the Virginian Korean public feel strongly enough about this then so be it. What harm could it possibly do to ADD a name on a map?

I agree that there is reason to ensure Japan doesn't continue its campaign of diminishing responsibility and culpability for its actions during the war (it should of course be doing the opposite).

All will be fine till they see a map from outside Virginia that don't have it.

always amazes me that no-one takes umbrage at the name of the Yellow Sea.....

I'd have thought that any American, whether Korean-American, Japanese-American, African-American or Swedish-American, would have more pressing concerns right now. Like the national debt and relations with the rest of the world.

@igloobuyer

I agree that there is reason to ensure Japan doesn't continue its campaign of diminishing responsibility and culpability for its actions during the war (it should of course be doing the opposite).

What has that got to with Korean Americans being petty about a name on a map?

@letsberealistic

You're entitled to your opinion, but this is what the Virginian Koreans want for their state and the state government agrees then what has it got to do with us, or Japan for that matter. Nothing.

Directly, maybe not. But like it or not, the image of Koreans has been deeply affected for this group taking this petty matter all the way to the Virginia State legislature and all the way to the textbooks of the students of the state of Virginia. And they did so based on an historical falsehood, that it was Japan's occupation of Korea that standardized the name Sea of Japan.

As a staunch detractor of Japan's failure to come to terms with its war crimes, my desire to come to Korea's defense has been set back.

Thunderbirdsgo

what has that got to with Korean Americans being petty about a name on a map?

I was referring to comments made in the article about Japan's recent moves to change/soften it's wartime history.

If this were to set a precedent, then we'd soon see dozens of different maps popping up across the United States alone, depending on the origin of the largest ethnic minority in any given state.

I find this fuss over a name simply ludicrous.

Lucabris

have thought that any American, whether Korean-American, Japanese-American, African-American or Swedish-American, would have more pressing concerns right now. Like the national debt and relations with the rest of the world.

How do you know they aren't? Do you think that people can only deal with one thing at the same time? Me does not like kind of short-sighted comments.

Most Virginians -- and most Americans for that matter -- couldn't find half the states in a map of their own country. They've got no business renaming bodies of water in another hemisphere.

I suggest a compromise: Call it the "Sea of Silly Controversy."

zichi, Not a wiser word spoken They are good at finger pointing. Just not sure were they should point it!

Why is this news? Who cares what Virginia thinks...

@letsberealistic

I have great respect for people who can stand up to bullying tactics and who take pride in their heritage (in this case by Japan working to bribery and intimidation to strop the plan going through)

I am not understanding how the Irish descended governor of Virginia standing up to intimidation and turning down bribery equates to Korean-Americans being proud of their heritage. Or are you accusing some Japanese of trying to bribe and intimidate the Korean group?

I would just like to see you provide some proof of that bribery accusation either way, although I do see where you get the intimidation of the governor. (but not the Korean-American group).

But thank you for pointing out that message by the Japanese ambassador. I had overlooked it. That is very petty as well.

Lastly, I have to ask, if I intimidated you and tried to bribe you not to jump off a bridge, would you jump of a bridge to spite me? I should think people would want their government to make the right choice, not the opposite choice of unscrupulous people even though its the wrong choice.

I don't think Virginia's been taken seriously since before the Civil War.

I have great respect for people who can stand up to bullying tactics.

Utter nonsense. Nobody has told any Korean what to put on their maps. In the English speaking world the accepted nomenclature is the Sea of Japan. When you have 1% of the State population causing these kinds of changes to be enacted, one could argue that they are behaving like the bullies. And you could state with certainty that they have made no effort to assimilate into American culture, and most likely never will. They should go back to ROK.

I've said this before, but for those who think this is an insignificant incident, think again. The Koreans and Chinese are playing hardball around the world, step by tiny step, in a bid to get the rest of humanity to think differently about Japan, it's wartime past and oft-revisionist attitude towards many still-heated historical points. You may think this Virginia move is much ado about nothing, but Japan surely shouldn't. Because China and Korea are winning, in case you haven't noticed. Observe...

-The Chinese have issued passports, accepted by every other government around the world, that portrays islands disputed with Japan as part of China, not Japan...in spite of official Japanese protests.

-The statue of a comfort woman in Glendale California was erected and remains standing in the city's central park...despite official Japanese protests.

-The US Congress, thanks to a coordinated lobbying effort on the part of Korea and Korean-American groups, passed this year a bill with bi-partisan support which urges, "the Secretary of State to call on the Japanese government to address the issues contained in the House's "comfort women resolution" from 2007"...this in spite of official Japanese protests.

-UNESCO's Memory of the World Registry plans to ignore Japan's request to register WWII-era Kamikaze letters with its organization...after China and Korea lodged vigorous official protests against the move.

-Now, a US state (a large portion of whose population work for the government and related lobbyists and contractors next door in the District of Columbia) passes a bill in both state houses and gains the governor's signature for a requirement to relabel all educational maps with both names for the Sea of Japan...completely against Japan's wishes and in spite of official Japanese protests.

Is it just me, or do you also notice a worrying trend here?

Sure it is insignificant how much power does Virginia carry beyond its border, they don't even speak for Korea or the USA.

Globally they are a nobody.

"East Sea" is an utterly meaningless name,giving no clue as to where it is other than if you happen to be in Korea. This is an English map and the name that should be used is the common international name.

This 1770 map clearly marks it as the "Sea of Korea" http://stock-images.antiqueprints.com/images/sm0189-asia-kitchin-map-l.jpg

This 1850 map shows it as "Sea of Japan".

Take your pick!

This one from 1851 has the Sea of Japan and the Strait of Corea. http://stock-images.antiqueprints.com/images/sm0062-JapanTallis.jpg

I think to call it anything other than the Sea of Japan is English is just silly.

In fact politicians can make even more money through "political donation" by selling the names to various ethnic groups . In the time they can sell the whole manufacturing industry to another country ... anything else is small matter.

Sea What You Did There

If it's so childish and petty, then why did the Japanese government step in?

That body of water was also called Sea of Corea long before it was just called the Sea of Japan. The adoption of the current name is viewed by Koreans as a symbol of Japanese oppression and colonization. Is that so hard to understand?

Americans are not oppressed by Mexicans, so they don't mind calling it the Gulf of Mexico. Duh.

I live in Virginia and have been following this little squabble since it first hit the newspapers late last year.

Nobody has changed the name of the sea. All that's happened with this law is that the textbooks have to say that the sea is ALSO referred to as the East Sea. That Japan took exception to this minor change and actually threatened to adjust their foreign investment over it left me speechless.

There is a large Korean community in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Falls Church, and Annandale have a high ratio of Koreans). The Japanese community for the D.C. area resides in Maryland. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, Korean issues are naturally going to be heard more loudly than Japanese issues.

@Ah_so

This 1770 map clearly marks it as the "Sea of Korea" http://stock-images.antiqueprints.com/images/sm0189-asia-kitchin-map-l.jpg

I question if that map is legit. However, I have done some checking and found that Sea of Korea has had plenty of historical use in English and translated to other languages. And while that use is much less than Sea of Japan, it is much more than East Sea. In fact, Sea of Korea seems to be in second place over all. So I would have sooner supported Sea of Korea as an alternate name. East Sea is just not international enough.

But I can tell you what I would have liked to have seen. Since the East China sea is named for China, and the Sea of Japan is named for Japan, and since the Yellow Sea borders Korea and seems such a racist throwback of a name, its too bad they did not petition the Yellow Sea be renamed the Sea of Korea at the U.N. Then everybody could have been happy.

So except for Virginians, the majority would not know it goes by a second name. Make sure you study your elementary textbooks just in case it's a "Final Jeopardy" question.

Unfortunately Korea won't stop only with this and Japan will keep taking the bait. Koreans probably know about their international reputation anyway, they will keep at changing names and doing hate march and so on because they were raised like this from early age with deep propaganda. Just check out the Korean books available for youth. Older Korean are just as bad as their neighbours.

Koreans probably know about their international reputation anyway, they will keep at changing names and doing hate march

What does this supposed to mean, you seem to be taking the netouyo conspiracy worldview.

I think Korean would be aware that some people see them as petty and insecure. This issue especially might have significantly damaged the reputation and they have to be aware of this. They still went forward with this because it's just a matter of pride for them.

I think Korean would be aware that some people see them as petty and insecure.

You mean people in Japan?

Most pathetic and stupid thing EVER.

This is proof yet that the Korean "Americans" and nationalists are meddling in the affairs of AMERICANS.

The sea of Japan has been called that long before Korea had issues with Japan's imperialism. It's appropriate because it's a sea by Japan, duh.

Every single day the anti Japan crowd and Korean nationalists will chip away and continue to demonize all things Japan. This time it's Sea of Japan name change. Next it's yet another comfort women memorial. And after that official resolution from state to state recognizing Korea's right to Dodko.

Enough is enough already.

Every single day the anti Japan crowd and Korean nationalists will chip away and continue to demonize all things Japan. This time it's Sea of Japan name change. Next it's yet another comfort women memorial.

I think the name change is unnecessary, but how is that demonizing? Maybe you should stop constantly feeling victimized?

There's nothing really wrong with the comfort women memorial. Unless you don't care for women's rights.

Sir_Edgar

That body of water was also called Sea of Corea long before it was just called the Sea of Japan.

I wonder in which era you are talking about and by whom?

Remember when the European first came to the far East the nation on the peninsula was called Joseon, the name Korea derived from the ancient kingdom Goryeo which was overtaken by Joseon in 1392. Even Marco Polo did not travel that far so forget about mentioning him either.

Look, the only 'pettiness' is from the Japanese administration for threatening to sever economic ties and relations if the state passed the law. No Korean have made any threats, they just want their name recognised, nothing petty about that, doesn't hurt anyone.

the Yellow Sea borders Korea and seems such a racist throwback of a name

It's called the Yellow Sea because of the sand particles from gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden yellow. Nothing racist about it.

The East Sea is only an accurate name if you happen to live west of it. Another example of foolish tit for tat East Asian politics from which none of the countries in the region seem to be above.

Korean issues are naturally going to be heard more loudly than Japanese issues.

How about if people who immigrate to America leave their insignificant cultural prejudices at the door and start prioritizing "American issues"? That would be nice to see for once.

Absolutely nothing wrong with it being recognized by both names. Not surprised to see Japan politicians, who insist on only the Japanese name for pretty much everything under the sun, are angry, but they're just going to have to suck it up.

Legislation requiring that the Korean name for the Sea of Japan be included in new school textbooks has become law in the U.S. state of Virginia, a victory for Korean-American campaigners backed by the South Korean government.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

This is not changing the name or Sea of Japan but adding Korean people's familiar name.

This is in VA, not iall 50 states in USA

Maybe VA students get interested to learn about Korean War and why two countries instead of one after Korean War. Too too far away from Kprea.

Two names are not new. During /WW II, Shina. Then (Chugoku) Shina. And now Chugoku only?

When the Koreans won, people say they are childish. There are some people here who are even more childish who suggest changing the name of the Indian Ocean, Alaska, etc.. Phew!

Obviously, our governor has entirely too much time on his hands.

Here's a passing thought--that's about all this issue deserves--why don't all nations which border on international bodies of water each submit their own names. The UN could then ratify and register those names. By doing that, it would hopefully cause all concerned to draw closer toward recognizing that we are all members of equal standing within a global community. Becoming a member in equal standing would hopefully translate into a greater shared responsibility for matters of a higher priority such as: ecology, rising sea levels, exchange of technology, peace and security, pollution, resource sustainability, migration, transportation, and conflict resolution.

Anthony Fenton

Here's a passing thought--that's about all this issue deserves--why don't all nations which border on international bodies of water each submit their own names. The UN could then ratify and register those names.

Cool.

China submits change from "Yellow Sea" to "East Sea" Vietnam submits change from "South China Sea" to "East Sea" U.K. sumbmits change from "North Sea" to "East Sea" Germany/Sweden submits change from "Baltic Sea" to "East Sea". etc.

Thank god the rest of the world aren't "petty" like the Koreans.

Largest Korean population in the U.S. Is in Cali. If Koreans got their way there, we will never hear the end of it.

I don't know who comes off looking worse here, the Koreans or the Virginians.

Absolutely stupid behavior on the part of Korea, you don't see the UK complaining about the Irish Sea or the french complaining about the English Channel, it's utter nonsense...

Japan always asccepts foreign names. Just all those kana words.

Obviously, our governor has entirely too much time on his hands.

Obviously, you missed the point that the Governor couldn't do anything until the legislature passed the law.

Absolutely stupid behavior on the part of Korea, you don't see the UK complaining about the Irish Sea or the french complaining about the English Channel, it's utter nonsense...

For the record, South Korea never weighed-in on the issue. The Commonwealth of Virginia Legislature doesn't care one wit about what some foreign country wants them to do (as perfectly demonstrated in how they passed the law despite Japan's attempt at economic extortion). The people asking for the change were Korean Americans who live in Virginia.

Virginia constituents with voting rights asking for a change = Virginia Legislature paying attention.

I could see all the hand-wringing if the law said that "Sea of Japan" was being replaced by "East Sea", but that's not what's happening. They're BOTH going to be used.

Fadamor. So Japan gives extortion money to virginia? If that was the case the result would be different. You should know that Japan invests alot of money in many countries. But theres a reality. Those koreans will vote for him.

Fadamor. So Japan gives extortion money to virginia? If that was the case the result would be different. You should know that Japan invests alot of money in many countries. But theres a reality. Those koreans will vote for him.

You've got it backwards. Japan threatened to END it's investments in Virginia if this law was passed. "You will run your state like we tell you to or we will stop investing in your state." Economic extortion.

A perfect example of "Money can buy anything," including the weak Virginia legislature. The new name and any name will quickly be forgotten by the students. They will learn it so that they can fill in the line on the map quiz, then forget. The students in Virginia and most other states in the USA know where Iraq and Afghanistan are because Americans learn geography through its wars. One state printing a map in an insignificant textbook is irrelevant in the real world.

A perfect example of "Money can buy anything," including the weak Virginia legislature.

Ehhh. Whose money are you talking about? The only money mentioned in this issue was Japan's and its implication that that money would disappear if this law was passed. If your statement was true, then the Virginia Legislature should have been trampling over each other trying to be the first to vote this law down. That didn't happen because the Legislature is more worried about constituent votes than money.

This is such a great news... now it's going set a precedence in and other States should reign in as well. People have the right and power to set the record straight and that's what's great about America.

Well as I implied above, this controversy is seen by most Virginians as a big, fat, "Meh." Whether the sea is referred to by one name or two is not that important to Virginians on the grand scale of things. It's just fallout from a squabble between two countries halfway around the world.

Passage of the legislation represents a significant victory for vocal campaigners among Virginia’s 82,000 Korean-Americans, who greatly outnumber the state’s 19,000 ethnic Japanese.

This sentence implies a rivalry, but I do not believe that such a rivalry exists, and no evidence (a poll) is provided. What would Daniel Inoue have said? (ok, he was from Hawaii not Virginia).

This is proof yet that the Korean "Americans" and nationalists are meddling in the affairs of AMERICANS.

Gosh, bitter much? It's not like a portion (or all) of Japanese territory just got annexed by Korea with the full blessing of the Western powers. Who are you to imply that a bunch of naturalized and native-born US citizens of ethnic Korean origin are not really Americans, as your use of quotation marks in the above quote suggests?

Korean-Americans outnumber Japanese-Americans in Virginia by a 4:1 margin. The rest of us Virginians are unlikely to care one way or the other. So if you're a politician who's looking to get re-elected and want to court the Asian-American vote, you will vote in favor of the Korean issues over that of the Japanese issues. The only ones who WOULDN'T do that would be legislators whose district contains a majority of Japanese-Americans compared to Korean-Americans. Just based on those facts, it's a no-brainer that this law was passed.

U.S. lawmakers are not that much different to Koreans thinking about the name change. If U.S. gets his way, the Gulf of Mexico will become the “Gulf of America.” And the French want to change the name of English Channel to Anglo French pond. And the Arabian Seas? Maybe India wants to change the name to "Middle East Seas"?

U.S. lawmakers are not that much different to Koreans thinking about the name change. If U.S. gets his way, the Gulf of Mexico will become the “Gulf of America.” And the French want to change the name of English Channel to Anglo French pond. And the Arabian Seas? Maybe India wants to change the name to "Middle East Seas"?

I can't say I've heard ANYBODY in the U.S. lobbying for the Gulf of Mexico to be re-named the "Gulf of America". This appears to be a bit of fantasy created by non-Americans. Somebody else mentioned the Gulf of California. Considering that "the Gulf of Mexico" is already taken and the Gulf of California has the Mexican states of North and South Baja California making up one entire side of the gulf, "Gulf of California" makes perfect sense. If Mexico decided to rename those two states, then the name of the gulf would probably change as well.

vanostranAPR. 04, 2014 - 03:39PM JST And how about the Gulf of California.

Why do you ask? It was Mexico that gave it that name. The peninsula that defines the area is called Baja California. The U.S. had nothing to do with the naming.

We now know that VA legislatures do not ignore 82,000 minority Korean residents.

Larry WoodworthApr. 05, 2014 - 04:27AM JST can't say I've heard ANYBODY in the U.S. lobbying for the Gulf of Mexico to be re-named the "Gulf of America".

Rep. Stephen Holland, the Democratic lawmaker who's got a lot of attention for introducing a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.

This is insanely absurd. It IS the SEA OF JAPAN, and will be forever. making books in one state say one thing is just silly beyond belief. It is like saying the Moon is made out of cheese because we say so.

People never fail to amaze me when they can be fooled by such absurd lobbying by an aggresive and foolish people like the Koreans. I am just going to totally ignore this and it will be the Sea of Japan for my international work group and any members who object can be removed. Nuff said. Move on to real news.

The point is that the Japanese versus the Koreans have always had their way, isn't it? All these comments about Koreans being childish is inane and immature. Please read up on your history first before making simplistic remarks.

"It IS the SEA OF JAPAN, and will be forever"

Uh, why? Because you angrily wrote the name in capital letters on an anonymous online forum? Well, okay then.

SamuraiBlue, here is your link.

https://www.swaen.com/Korea-East-Sea.html

As you can see there are 28 authentic European-made maps dating as far back to the 17th century for sale on this site that describe it as "Sea of Corea", etc.

Please research on the Internet! A simple Google search can enlighten anyone... ANYONE!!!

To be perfectly plain, I don't care that a Virgiinia textbook offers an alternate name for a sea between Korea and Japan. I care greatly that doing so is being dictated by law. That is outrageous! I am sure textbook writers have enough to remember without being compelled by law to remember that insignificant tidbit.

Just how many laws do we really need? Are we going to legislate away the freedom to do anything? And what can we expect next? Now that the alternate name legal rock has started to roll, how long until all of America's ethnic groups petition for alternate names to everything? Next, by law, Germany must be mentioned alongside Deutschland, next to Lake Superior must be Gitche Gumee, next to the Senakakus must be Diaoyu, next to Ireland must be Eire, next to Istanbul must be Constantinople, next to Beijing must be Peking, etc. and no choice, cause its the law!

I am sure everybody has better things to do than be drawn into squabbles like this.

East Sea is OK. I don;t know Korean language so tell me if it can be translated as Sea in East or Eastern Sea. Nihon-kai, could be Japanese Sea , ,too. East Sea, instead of Korean Sea or Sea of Korea sound tamer to me. 82,000 Koreans, Are they descendent of evacuees of Japanese colonization or Korean War? Are their children educaters report that even their parents speak funny English, Korean children achieve way better than other students. In our west coast area schools are xcriticized not educating Mexican children comparing Korean children, Now I see where they get data.

Sir_Edgar

Your remarks and research also seem one-sided. Seeing both sides not only koreans but japaneses will help enlighten you better.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/maritime/japan/study-4.html

Ah-so: East Sea" is an utterly meaningless name,giving no clue as to where it is other than if you happen to be in Korea.

Have you never heard the North Sea? The White Sea? The Dead Sea? How do any of their names give clues as to where they are? That's not to mention the numerous seas named after somewhat obscure explorers and old rulers.

Wakarimasen: always amazes me that no-one takes umbrage at the name of the Yellow Sea.....

It always amazes me how people choose to interpret things in a negative manner instead of doing a little simple research.

The Yellow Sea derives its name from the color of the silt-laden water discharged from the numerous Chinese rivers that drain into its waters.

vanostran: And how about the Gulf of California.

How about it? It goes by more than one name already. It's know as the Sea of Cortez or Sea of Cortés or Vermilion Sea and locally known in the Spanish language as Mar de Cortés or Mar Bermejo or Golfo de California.

@Ah-so: East Sea" is an utterly meaningless name,giving no clue as to where it is other than if you happen to be in Korea.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Well, it may be meaningless to you but it is obvious that people who lived near by that sea named the sea with direction, It was neither satellite era nor computerized map drawing era. They just named what they knew. Japan named the country Nippon, the origin or Sun, Likewise, meaningless to you does not mean meaningless to old era people.

1) This is about Virginia lobbyists loving money from Korean lobbyists, and Koreans being smart enough to try this route.

2) It's already supported by Google, so it's meaningless.

3) There are already 2-3 bodies of water called the East Sea.

4) For their next trick, Korea will demand that the letter K no longer come before the letter J in the English alphabet.

No, I'm not one-sided at all. Actually, I prefer to just call it just one name and that is the Sea of Japan. This is because that is what it is more commonly known as today.

However, I also like the fact that the Koreans also want to add the East Sea in parentheses. I think they know that it will never be called the East Sea and they are not pushing for the Sea of Korea either. Maybe they want to make a point that the name of the Sea of Korea should also be recognized?

The Arabs also call the Persian Gulf the "Arabian Gulf" and when you meet Arabs, out of courtesy, you call it that. Why not have the same situation here. At least the Koreans aren't pushing for the "Sea of Korea".

And, by the way, the Koreans call the Yellow Sea the Yellow Sea in Korean. And it's Europeans and Americans who call Korea as "Korea". The Koreans themselves described their country as "Chosun" before and today "Hanguk". The name Korea is from the Goryo Dynasty. Do Japanese call Japan as "Japan"? No, it's "Nihon" or "Nippon". So it wouldn't be "Sea of Nippon" on European or American map, duh.

Regardless, if you take a look at the European maps between the 17th and 19th century there are both many maps saying "Sea of Corea" and "Sea of Japan". The number comparison is not so important because the numbers for each are significant, meaning there is debate. But starting in the late 19th century, "Sea of Japan" becomes far more prevalent as Japan grows in power and takes part in international organizations like IHO.

And PLEASE, stop making inane comments that next is the "Gulf of America" instead of the "Gulf of Mexico", etc. Nobody is wanting that and it was never ever called the "Gulf of America" to begin with.

Finally, Peter Payne: Japan pays far more millions in lobby money than South Korea in Washington DC. In fact, the term "Japan bashing" was developed by a paid lobbyist for Japan to protect it from criticism. It was a very clever ploy. Anyone criticizing Japan is called a "Japan basher" and labeled as racist and ignorant.

I love the way any time Koreans win, it's described like cheating. But when Japan wins it is considered somehow noble.

Sir_Edgar

I see you. I don't care if Korean call it whatever they want in korea. But they shoudn't have to do it in the US. Immigtants shouldn't bring their home country's disputes into the US.

It is a source of intense bitterness for Koreans that the Sea of Japan was standardized worldwide while Korea was under Japanese colonial rule

And this claim sounds to me just like koreans are trying to blame on japan.

I am just going to totally ignore this and it will be the Sea of Japan for my international work group and any members who object can be removed. Nuff said.

Ooooh big man. Lmao.

This is proof yet that the Korean "Americans" and nationalists are meddling in the affairs of AMERICANS.

Gosh, bitter much?

Yeah, obviously REAL Americans just spend their lives posting on message boards about Japan.

East sea it's only intermediate step next Korean sea will become new fashion.

It is textbooks in VA. So, they use English for both names. Sea of Japan, and, East Sea is English phrases. What it says in Japanese maps for Japanese? Instead of English, Japan use Kanjis and Kana moji. Some people wrote Korean bribed. No, in USA, there is something called Freedom of Speech. Then also you can sue anyone if you present proof of bribery. Sp far no one sued these Korean people. So, I believe they did not brive lawmakers and the Governor.

Petty, just petty.

Waste of taxpayer money for a jeopardy question.

toshiko

They don't have to offer a bribe but votes and donations. That's what the governors really want. And yes, so true he made a respectful decision for koreans, but also true he ignored this japanese minorities in VA. Democacy often makes minorities seem less important.

@bamoo pink: Only 13,000 people are employed by Japanese companies. Not much economic influence, Are there so many Japanese people live there? votes? Don;t VA have Asian Americans elected for legislature?

Sir_Edgar

https://www.swaen.com/Korea-East-Sea.html As you can see there are 28 authentic European-made maps dating as far back to the 17th century for sale on this site that describe it as "Sea of Corea", etc.

But the number of maps dating to that time that list it as the East Sea is few and far between, Sea of Japan or Japan Sea is the most dominant name amongst maps from that period, and these days, British Admiralty Charts make no mention of the East Sea on any of their listings.

So if you're a politician who's looking to get re-elected and want to court the Asian-American vote, you will vote in favor of the Korean issues over that of the Japanese issues.

Fadamor, then why do you complain Japan's idea of less investment in the state?

Well, it would be difficult for China to accept the Korean's name "East Sea" for the Sea of Japan, as in Chinese language the phrase "East Sea" (東海) only refers to "East China Sea". Same issue for the Vietnamese, who are naming the "South China Sea" as their "East Sea".

To name a sea by its direction does not appear to be very scientific.

Sir_EdgarApr. 05, 2014 - 06:34PM JST

Regardless, if you take a look at the European maps between the 17th and 19th century there are both many maps saying "Sea of Corea" and "Sea of Japan".

The problem is that none of those maps calls the sea "Esat Sea". You know "Sea of Corea" is different from "the East Sea".

To be perfectly plain, I don't care that a Virgiinia textbook offers an alternate name for a sea between Korea and Japan. I care greatly that doing so is being dictated by law. That is outrageous! I am sure textbook writers have enough to remember without being compelled by law to remember that insignificant tidbit.

Textbook writers are used to this, as most states have minimum standards BY STATE LAW to cover. Go to any textbook publisher and ask for a particular textbook title and their first question will be, "For which state?" The same title has different versions based on which state it will be used in. In Virginia, the minimum teaching standards are called "Standards of Learning" (SOL). Many of those standards are set by State law and textbook publishers are required to show how their textbooks address the SOLs.

Names change. That body of water is known as the East Sea by all countries in Asia EXCEPT Japan who imposed that moniker in the midst of its colonial ambitions. What's surprising about noting lack of consensus in textbooks? Democratic process at work.

That body of water is known as the East Sea by all countries in Asia EXCEPT Japan

That body of water is known as Sea of Japan by all countries except Korea.

Corrected.

nigelboy: "That body of water is known as Sea of Japan by all countries except Korea. Corrected."

Allow me to correct you further. It's known now as The East Sea AND the Sea of Japan in countries (or at least in some countries, parts of the country) outside of Japan... errr... did you miss the article? Wouldn't be surprised.

CH3CHO: "The problem is that none of those maps calls the sea "Esat Sea". You know "Sea of Corea" is different from "the East Sea"."

Better yet then, change the name to "Sea of Corea", although I doubt that would make you any happier. Would you be happier, though, if Asia were no longer thought of as "the East", since so many people here are hung on literally on where the sea is in relation to South Korea and Japan? If you look at a Japanese world map, saying "East meets West" would mean North America meeting Europe.

Allow me to correct you further. It's known now as The East Sea AND the Sea of Japan in countries (or at least in some countries, parts of the country) outside of Japan... errr... did you miss the article? Wouldn't be surprised.

I read the article and as I alluded to, commented on the petty nature of Koreans.

I'll repeat.

China submits change from "Yellow Sea" to "East Sea"

Vietnam submits change from "South China Sea" to "East Sea"

U.K. sumbmits change from "North Sea" to "East Sea"

Germany/Sweden submits change from "Baltic Sea" to "East Sea". etc.

Might as well put "East Sea" on most every "Sea" out there for I'm sure it's "East" to some contries geographically.

As many have indicated, Koreans in America need to keep their garbage in their home countries.

Sorry if this was mentioned alreadyL

As a general rule, a body of water between a mainland and an island is named after the island.

So, Korea is barking up the wrong tree here.

This is a petty act. Not surprising from one of the most Anti-Japan people in the world, though. Its especially frustrating since the "Sea of Japan" had been established BEFORE Japan took over the Korean peninsula at the tail end of the Edo period.

There are plenty of places which have local names for bodies of water, and there is no reason to list any of them.

They have more petitions that are going to be voted on in New York and California.

Ah, the Korean-American community! What an absolute joke.

The area of that sea is not near Japan anyway, Beside that, it is just VA far away from Asia. And that was addition, not replacement. Not a big deal.

smithinjapanApr. 08, 2014 - 01:33AM JST

CH3CHO: "The problem is that none of those maps calls the sea "Esat Sea". You know "Sea of Corea" is different from "the East Sea"."

Better yet then, change the name to "Sea of Corea", although I doubt that would make you any happier.

If the Koreans want the rest of the world to call the sea "the Sea of Corea", I think it would be much better than going for "the East Sea". What I feel pity on them is that they raise the fact that the sea was called "the Sea of Corea" as evidence that the sea was called "the East Sea".

How about renaming it to "Japan Korea see" since it separates this two countries. I guess this would be to logical and to friendly solution and Humans do not like the logic and do not like to be friendly.

Zvonko

How about renaming it to "Japan Korea see" since it separates this two countries. I guess this would be to logical and to friendly solution and Humans do not like the logic and do not like to be friendly.

How about we retain the name already in use. If the Japanese Isles were not there it would just be the Pacific Ocean so Japan is the factor there and why rightly it is named the Sea of Japan now and I suspect in the future also.

Sea of Corea? Just like writing Sea of Nippon or Taiheiyou instead of Pacific Ocean, East Sea is easier for VA studnets, I'd bet. I like Zyonko's idea" Japan Korea Sea". or "Korea Japan Sea".

Historians, cardiologists, mariners, explorers, sorry, but Virginia - such a lovely name - knows better. The East Sea it is in addition to the Sea of Japan, or, Mr. McAuliffe, is it one or the other or both? What will you call this body of water? And what business is it of yours to rename oceans?

This really exposes the petty and self-centered view of many Koreans. Japan. China, Russia ad' the rest of the world call it "Sea of Japan". Only on the Korean Peninsula do they call it "East Sea".

Does it really matter? 90% of Virginia High School students couldn't find Virginia on a world map.

I love the claim that rest of the world calls it "Sea of Japan". It calls it Sea of Japan bc Japan enforced it's colonial ambitions and propagated that name during 20th century. I suppose Korea and Manchuria would be called "Japan" if Japan had its way and then you all would be claiming that the rest of the world calls Korea and Manchuria Japan. China, the two Korea's and ALL the surround Asian countries have historically and contemporarily call it the East Sea. Facts become inconvenient when you're trying to twist the truth.

melonbarmonster Apr. 19, 2014 - 05:15AM JST China, the two Korea's and ALL the surround Asian countries have historically and contemporarily call it the East Sea. Facts become inconvenient when you're trying to twist the truth.

After the foundation of The PRC, China continued to use the geographical name of The Sea of Japan. In China, it has been held that The Sea of Japan means the marginal sea of The Pacific Ocean. it was located in between The Continent of Asia and The Archipelago of Japan. You don't see China complaining about the name "Sea of Japan".