old maps of Tokyo -- or not?

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Rodney Van Meter <rdv () sfc wide ad jp>
Date: May 5, 2009 5:08:37 AM EDT
To: David Farber <dave () farber net>
Subject: old maps of Tokyo -- or not?

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090505a1.html

Google crosses line with controversial old Tokyo maps
By JAY ALABASTER
The Associated Press
When Google Earth

 added historical maps of Japan to its online collection last year,  
the search giant didn't expect a backlash. The finely detailed  
woodblock prints have been around for centuries, they were already  
posted on another Web site, and a historical map of Tokyo put up in  
2006 hadn't caused any problems.

But Google failed to judge how its offering would be received, as it  
has often done in Japan. The company is now facing inquiries from the  
Justice Ministry and angry accusations of prejudice because its maps  
detailed the locations of former low-caste communities.

The maps date back to the feudal era, when shoguns ruled and a strict  
caste system was in place. At the bottom of the hierarchy were a class  
called the "burakumin," ethnically identical to other Japanese but  
forced to live in isolation because they did jobs associated with  
death, such as working with leather, butchering animals and digging  
graves.

<snip>

Google Earth's maps pinpointed several such areas. One village in  
Tokyo was clearly labeled "eta," a now strongly derogatory word for  
burakumin that literally means "filthy mass." A single click showed  
the streets and buildings that are currently in the same area.

Google posted the maps as one of many "layers" available via its  
mapping software, each of which can be easily matched up with modern  
satellite imagery. The company provided no explanation or historical  
context, as is common practice in Japan. Its basic stance is that its  
actions are acceptable because they are legal, one that has angered  
burakumin leaders.

<snip>

Two weeks later, after the public comments and at least one reporter  
contacted Google, the old Japanese maps were suddenly changed, wiped  
clean of any references to the buraku villages. There was no note made  
of the changes, and they were seen by some as an attempt to quietly  
dodge the issue.

"This is like saying those people didn't exist. There are people for  
whom this is their hometown, who are still living there now," said  
Takashi Uchino from the Buraku Liberation League headquarters in Tokyo.

<snip>



                --Rod





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