Japan is requesting modifications to a newly released world map that was approved by the United Nations last week. The map controversially depicts the Kuril Islands, referred to as the Northern Territories in Japan, in the same color as Russia, which has prompted Japan to formally protest this representation.

The UN General Assembly had voted on Friday to endorse this updated map, which notably enlarges the African continent while shrinking the sizes of North America and Europe. Japan was one of the 164 member states that supported this adjustment, with the United States being the sole nation opposed.

However, Japan has since expressed its dissatisfaction with the map due to the portrayal of the Kuril Islands, which have been under Russian control since they were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945, leading to the expulsion of the Japanese residents. Both Japan and Russia assert their sovereignty over these islands, which are a point of contention between the two nations.

Minoru Kihara, a spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated that the new map, known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection, includes a representation that contradicts Japan’s official stance. “We have submitted a protest through our diplomatic channels to request a correction of this representation,” Kihara informed the press. He refrained from disclosing when the issue was first raised but emphasized the importance of preventing misunderstandings regarding Japan’s territorial claims and geographical names.

Relations between Japan and Russia have recently deteriorated further following President Vladimir Putin’s unexpected visit to the disputed islands, marking the first time a Russian leader has done so. In response, Japan summoned the Russian ambassador, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi labeling Putin’s visit as “offensive to the sentiments of the Japanese people.” She declared the visit “absolutely unacceptable,” asserting that the islands are an integral part of Japan’s territory, both historically and under international law.

In reaction to Japan’s statements, Moscow firmly rejected these claims, describing them as politically inappropriate, insulting, and legally unfounded.

The United Nations explained that the objective of the new map is to offer “a more accurate representation” of the world’s landmasses compared to traditional Mercator projections.