Colonial Mapping of Ethiopia (1935)

Did you know Ethiopia and Japan both hosted their first global expos within decades of each other to assert their cultural identities to the world?

As a cultural geographer, I’m exploring how coffee weaves history and culture across continents. Today’s discovery: a 1935 Japanese map of Ethiopia—let’s unpack it

I found this fascinating map recently through a Japanese researcher’s social media post . It’s from the [Tokyo Nichinichi Shimbun] on October 5, 1935, titled “Latest Ethiopian Empress Complete Story.”

The map provides a glimpse into Japan’s perception of Ethiopia during the Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1936). Published 90 years ago, it illustrates Ethiopia’s geography, infrastructure (railways, roads), and strategic importance as Italy launched its invasion.

This rare artifact showcases Japanese media’s engagement with Ethiopia and its interest in global affairs during a time of rapid geopolitical change. It’s also a reminder of how Ethiopia’s struggle for sovereignty resonated globally, inspiring people far beyond Africa.

As Koreans, who lived under Japanese colonial rule during this time, we can reflect on how media shaped our understanding of global issues, just as contemporary African news often comes to us through platforms like BBC or CNN.

What do you think about how historical and modern media influence our views of Africa?

*Special thanks to Toshikazu Tanaka for introducing me to this rare artifact. (Facebook @ Toshikazu Tanaka)

#ethiopia #africa #worldnews #geography