News

The number of islands in Japan just doubled. After unveiling an updated map of the country, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan revealed that the nation now has 14,125 islands—as opposed to 6,852, the official figure that has been quoted since a 1987 mapping by the Japan Coast Guard.

You may be wondering how it’s possible to miss thousands and thousands of islands. Well, for one thing, technology has improved significantly in the 35-plus years since the last effort. Also, given that Japan is such a volcanically active region, many more islands have popped up over the years.

For underwater photographers in the know, the recount may not change their opinion on the ultimate dive destination in Japan: The Ogasawara Islands are nicknamed “Japan’s Galápagos” for a reason. For more inspiration on where to dive in Japan, check out the DPG article, “Shooting Across Japan: 10 Top Underwater Photography Sites” by Tim Rock and Noriyuki Otani.

Read more here.