Rare Old WW2 Military Map of Okinawa, Japan: 64th Engineer Base Topographic Battalion

The "Area Chart -- Okinawa," meticulously crafted by the 64th Engineer Base Topographic Battalion in January 1945, is a historical treasure that captures the intricate details of Okinawa and its surrounding islands during a pivotal moment in World War II. This confidential military chart was instrumental in planning Operation Iceberg, the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater. The map's precision and detail reflect the expertise of the 64th Engineer Base Topographic Battalion, whose work was crucial in aiding military strategy and operations.

This map showcases the extensive military installations on Okinawa, including key airfields such as Ie Shima, Yontan, Kadena, Machinato, Naha, and Yonabaru. These airfields were vital for the United States Army and Marine Corps during the Battle of Okinawa, which began on April 1, 1945. The map also highlights significant transportation routes, including roads and railways, which were essential for the movement of troops and supplies. The detailed topography, with elevations and terrain features, provides a comprehensive understanding of the island's physical landscape.

The design of the map is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a clear focus on military strategy. The line marked XXX, running midway through the island just south of the Kanna Saki peninsula, is a notable feature that likely demarcated the extent of operations between different units. This level of detail and precision is a testament to the mapmaker's skill and the importance of this map in the context of the war. The surrounding sea areas, labeled as Okinawa Sunto, add to the map's comprehensive coverage of the region.

Okinawa's cities and towns, such as Naha, Okinawa City, Urasoe, Ginowan, and Nago, are prominently marked, providing a glimpse into the island's human geography. These settlements, along with smaller towns and villages, paint a picture of the island's inhabited areas during this tumultuous period. The map also includes nearby islands like Ie Shima and Iheya Shima, which were also significant in the broader context of the military campaign.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its use in military operations. It represents a moment in time when Okinawa was a focal point in the Pacific Theater, leading to the eventual end of World War II. The occupation of Okinawa by American forces, which lasted until 1972, marked a significant period in US-Japan relations. This map is not just a tool for military strategy but a window into the past, offering insights into the complexities and challenges of wartime planning and the enduring impact of these events on the region.

Cities and towns on this map

• Naha
• Okinawa City
• Urasoe
• Ginowan
• Nago
• Tomigusuku
• Itoman
• Uruma
• Miyakojima
• Ishigaki
• Yonabaru
• Haebaru
• Chatan
• Kin
• Ginoza
• Yomitan
• Nakagusuku
• Kitanakagusuku
• Kadena
• Onna
• Motobu
• Ie
• Kunigami
• Ogimi
• Higashi
• Nakijin
• Ie Shima
• Iheya Shima

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Ie Shima Airfield
• Yontan Airfield
• Kadena Airfield
• Machinato Airfield
• Naha Airfield
• Yonabaru Airfield
• Kanna Saki peninsula
• Tsuken Shima Light
• Okinawa Sunto
• Topographic details: Elevations and terrain features
• Roads and railways
• Military bases

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Area Chart -- Okinawa
• Date of creation: January 1945
• Mapmaker/Publisher: 64th Engineer Base Topographic Battalion
• Military installations: Airfields, military bases, and strategic locations
• Topography: Detailed representation of the island's physical landscape including elevations and terrain
• Infrastructure: Roads, railways, and other significant routes
• Countries and regions shown on the map: Okinawa, Japan, including nearby islands such as Ie Shima, Iheya Shima, and others
• Design or style: The map is a thematic military chart marked as "Confidential," with extensive detail on military installations and geographic features
• Historical significance:
• Battle of Okinawa: The map was used in planning the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater during World War II
• Operation Iceberg: The map was crucial for strategizing the American invasion of Okinawa, which lasted 82 days and had significant casualties
• Post-war occupation: Okinawa remained under US military control until 1972, marking a significant period in US-Japan relations

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.