"Sea of Japan" or "East Sea" ? (2)

Mr. Yoshitaka Shindo, a member of the House of Representatives, wrote a report "A Study of Naming Issue of Japan Sea", which explains the issue based on historical evidence. The report was submitted to the US Embassy as well as to the Secretariat of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) this month.

According to Mr. Shindo, South Korea’s assertion“East Sea existed for the past 2000 years” is based on the words “near the East Sea (東海之濱)” written in the chapter "History of the Koguryo (高句麗) Kingdom" in the Chinese book “History of the Three Kingdom (三国史記)”, which described the national foundation of Koguryo (37 BC). However, between the Sea of Japan and Koguryo, a tribal state of Okjeo (沃沮) prevailed, and Koguryo was not adjacent to the Sea of Japan when it was established. Moreover, Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea combined were called “East Sea”, which was different from Sea of Japan.

Mr. Shindo also analyzes other claims by Koreans on the issue, and concludes that they are based on wrong interpretation of the historical evidence.

The sudden objection to the name “Sea of Japan” was first raised by South and North Korea in 1992. Prior to this, there was no objection by these countries. If it was indeed the “East Sea” for the past 2000 years, why raise voice only in the 1990s? – Koreans should ask their government.

The short video here also explains the issue: "Sea of Japan, A Globally Established Name Part 1".