Mapping Layers: Manchuria and Japan in WW2

◆Project Abstract

  • Our final project, titled “Mapping Layers” focuses on Carleton College’s extensive collection of Japanese maps, which include maps produced by Imperial Japan and the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. These maps were captured by Allied forces after the war and distributed to libraries across the U.S., including Carleton’s Laurence McKinley Gould Library. Yet, despite their historical significance, these maps have remained largely untouched, obscured by the lack of Japanese translation expertise among the library’s curators. Our project, “Mapping Layers”, seeks to change that. Our team aims to digitize, translate, and analyze these maps to uncover their historical and cultural contexts. We will create an interactive digital archive that makes these maps accessible to researchers, students, and the public. These maps are more than just geographical representations; they are historical documents that reveal the strategic, cultural, and colonial ideologies of their time. Specifically, we are drawn to the Imperial Japanese maps used during World War II, including one that was used to plan the invasion of Manchuria, China. This particular map is uniquely layered with historical data. First, the map fulfills its primary function by depicting place names, their roles, and key geographical features. Then, overlaid with blue and red ink, it reveals how these features influence military movements and guide strategic decision-making. These layers of data offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of cartographic knowledge and geopolitical strategies. By digitizing these maps and layering their historical contexts, we hope to explore the complex interplay between colonial powers, the narratives they constructed, and how cartographic knowledge was weaponized during the war.

◆Methodology

  • Our team, fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese, is uniquely positioned to bridge the language gap and bring these historical narratives to life.
    • Data Gathering: We collaborated with Carleton’s Special Collections and Archives and worked closely with Professor Asuka Sango to access and study these maps. Our primary focus is on the map of Manchuria, which encapsulates Japan's strategic intentions and colonial narratives toward China during WWII.
    • Digitization and Preservation: To ensure both preservation and accessibility, high-resolution scans of the maps were created in the IIIF format. Our goal is to capture every intricate detail, from ink strokes to handwritten annotations, while maintaining the authenticity of these historical documents.
    • Translation and Annotation: Utilizing our multilingual capabilities, we translated the Japanese text on the maps into English. We provided historical and cultural contexts, revealing the strategic intentions, colonial narratives, and cultural representations embedded in the cartography.
    • Analysis: Through text analysis, we identified key themes such as military strategy, colonial ideologies, and cultural representations.
    • Digital Presentation: We built an interactive digital archive using Omeka S. The archive included high-resolution images of the maps, preserving their authenticity, translated text and annotations, offering historical and cultural context, allowing users to explore historical events, cultural significance, and strategic movements through time and space.

◆Sources

①『1:100,000 Scale Map of Manchuria and Siberia – No. 5: Jiamusi & Birobidzhan』

②『1:100,000 Scale Map of Manchuria and Siberia — No. 23: Jiamusi and Birobidzhan』

  • Format: The map is a printed military topographic document with Japanese annotations, labeled as "Top Military Secret" (軍事極秘). It features a combination of red, blue and black text, grid lines, and topographic details used for military strategy. The digitization process requires high-resolution scanning, georeferencing, translation into English, and an analysis of strategic points, infrastructure, and terrain features.
  • Rights & Ownership: Originally produced by the Japanese military, the map was likely created during or before World War II. It was later captured by Allied forces and distributed to institutions such as Carleton College. Currently housed in Carleton’s Special Collections, its public domain status is under review. The map was originally classified as a military document, and its dissemination was restricted at the time of its production.
  • Privacy & Ethical Considerations: The map was used for military planning and contains sensitive geographic and infrastructure data. The document covers regions inhabited by diverse groups, including those in Manchuria and Siberia, and may contain locations of cultural or historical significance. Ethical considerations include ensuring accurate historical framing, avoiding imperialist narratives, and respecting the communities represented.