Week 8 Final Project Update

Mapping layers (Huizi, Nina, Ziqing)

Progress

In our final project, “Mapping Layers,” our team—Nina Wakabayashi, Ashley Qian, and Huizi Cao—has been working with Carleton College’s Special Collections to digitize, translate, and analyze two Japanese military maps from World War II. These historically significant documents not only reveal military strategies but also offer insights into the colonial ideologies and geopolitical knowledge of the time.

So far, we have accomplished the following:

• Finalized our project pitch and research plan.
• Gained access to two key maps housed in Carleton’s Special Collections with support from Professor Asuka Sango and Katie Lewis.
• Digitized high-resolution scans of the maps while taking extra precautions to preserve delicate details, such as handwritten annotations.
• Begun translation of Japanese text into English using Recogito, focusing on complex military and geographic terminology.
• Established the framework of our digital archive using Omeka S, setting up the site architecture and experimenting with the best ways to present layered translations, annotations, and metadata.
• Conducted preliminary research into the broader historical context of Japan’s military activities in Manchuria, with attention to ethical representation.

We are particularly focused on two maps titled:

1. 満洲及西伯利十万分一圖佳木斯及ビロビッヂャン二十三號
2. 満洲及西伯利十万分一圖佳木斯及ビロビッヂャン五號

These maps, labeled “Top Military Secret” (軍事極秘), present detailed information about military routes, infrastructure, and strategic sites, all of which we are carefully translating and annotating for historical, rather than tactical, analysis.

Problems (and Proposed Solutions)

1. Fragility of Source Material

Some parts of the maps are deteriorated, making both scanning and translation difficult.
Solution: We adjusted our digitization process, using optimized scanning settings and minimal handling. We are now exploring digital enhancement methods to clarify faded sections.

2. Complexity of Translation

The maps include specialized military terminology that requires historical expertise.
Solution: Nina is consulting WWII-era Japanese language resources and collaborating with faculty experts to ensure accurate, nuanced translations.

3. Technical Integration Challenges

Customizing Omeka S to support layered visualizations with annotations and translations has been more complex than expected.
Solution: We are exploring Omeka S modules and plugins that can support interactive features while preserving site performance and accessibility.

So far, these issues have not derailed our original plan, though we remain flexible and are dedicating extra time to translation and technical integration.

Tools and Techniques

We are using the following tools and frameworks to bring our project to life:

• Omeka S: For building our self-hosted digital archive that will host digitized maps, translations, and contextual information in a structured, sustainable way.
• Recogito: For annotating the map images, managing translations, and tagging significant features directly onto high-resolution files.
• Google Drive: For team collaboration and storage of research files, translations, and drafts.

We are also considering potential integrations with TimelineJS or StoryMapJS if time permits, but our priority is ensuring that Omeka S and Recogito together provide a rich, layered user experience.

Deliverables

Updated Timeline:

• Week 8: Complete digitization, continue translations, and refine the archive structure in Omeka S.
• Week 9: Finalize translations, complete contextual annotations, and polish the digital archive’s layout.
• Week 10: Finalize the full archive, complete user testing, and prepare for the Pecha Kucha presentation.

At present, we are on track, though we anticipate the translation phase may extend into early Week 9 to ensure accuracy and historical sensitivity.

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Personal Messages

Nina Wakabayashi
As the lead translator and project coordinator, I have been working on translating the Japanese text on the maps while ensuring accuracy in historical and cultural context. I’ve led the annotation process through Recogito, balancing linguistic precision with historical nuance. Next, I will continue refining translations and contribute to embedding them within the Omeka S archive.

Ashley Qian
My focus has been on digitization and source documentation, ensuring high-quality scans and organizing metadata in our digital archive. I have also been researching the historical background of Japan’s activities in Manchuria to add depth to our project. Moving forward, I will concentrate on structuring our Omeka S site and integrating visual content.

Huizi Cao
As the team’s historical analyst and digital design lead, I have been researching the broader historical themes represented in the maps, including colonial and military narratives. I’ve been exploring ways to present these findings effectively within Omeka S, and I will continue supporting the writing of interpretative content while refining the archive’s design.

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Ethical Considerations

Given the sensitive nature of these wartime military maps, we are committed to:

• Providing historical context to avoid glorifying or neutralizing the imperialist and military ambitions embedded in the documents.
• Ensuring accurate translations that avoid editorializing while making the content accessible.
• Highlighting the diverse communities affected by the events depicted in these materials.
• Following best practices regarding rights and permissions, confirming public domain status through Carleton’s Special Collections.

By combining digitization, careful translation, and interactive presentation, we aim to create a resource that is both academically rigorous and ethically responsible.

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References & Inspirations:

• Mapping the Republic of Letters.(n.d.). Stanford University. Retrieved March 2, 2025, from https://republicofletters.stanford.edu/
• The Digital Yokohama Archive. (n.d.). Digital Initiative for the Japanese Humanities (DIJH). Retrieved March 2, 2025, from https://diy.dhii.jp/
• Carleton College Special Collections and Archives
• Sango, A. (2025). Personal communication.
• Lewis, K. (2025). Personal communication.

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