A bill passed in both houses of the Virginia legislature would require that all text books approved by the Board of Education recognize a large body of water by both its Korean name, the East Sea, and the name preferred by Japan, the Sea of Japan, reports Reuters.
The sea is sandwiched by both Koreas on one side and Japan on the other.
Korean Americans see the later name as a reminder of Japanese occupation.
Governor Terry McAuliffe had previously stated during his campaign that he would support the bill.
“I hope that other Korean-Americans in other states will try to correct their textbooks,” said Peter Y. Kim, president of Voice of Korean Americans. “It’s not just good for Korean-American children … it’s good for all Americans.”
LATEST STORIES
Japan has contended the Sea of Japan is the only internationally recognized name.
“We must continue to firmly explain the correct way of thinking about the name Sea of Japan and our country’s position on the issue,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
You can read about the historical context of this dispute and the political realities in Virginia in Reuters.