Japan

Japan, located off the coast of China in the northwestern Pacific, has long been known to European explorers, even though entry to the country to Europeans was strictly limited for several hundred years.

Ortelius, 1595

One of the earliest western maps of Japan, with the "island" of Korea shown (in pink) to the northwest.

Hondius, 1606

From another classic mapmaker, a quick comparison makes it clear that Hondius is based on the earlier map of Ortelius, with more focus just on Japan.

Blaeu, 1655

Unlike the earlier maps, this map shows political subdivisions, and also presents more accurate representations of both Japan and Korea.

Coronelli, 1692

An attractive map, created about thirty years after the Blaeu map, shows very similar views of Japan.

Tirion, 1740

A detailed map, about fifty years after the Coronelli map.

Seutter, 1740

A fascinating looking map of the same vintage as the Tirion map above.