Surprise in Japan. While the archipelago so far had around 6,000 islands, new mapping was carried out using digital maps and satellite photographs. Result: Japan would actually rest on 14,125 islands. Only count those with a circumference of at least 100 meters and which are not artificial, specifies The Guardian.
This is the first study of its kind in over 30 years. The last was carried out by coastguards using paper maps in 1987. The news was launched by the state, following strong criticism within the country. In 2021, an MP called for this mapping, arguing that "an accurate understanding of the number of islands is in the national interest".
If Japan thus gains 7,273 islands, the government has already explained that the borders will not move. The government news agency claimed that neither land territory nor territorial waters will change. The agency is due to publish its findings in a few weeks.
