Target Tokyo

Emphasizing the singular target of Tokyo on a global scale.

This bold shaded relief map covers a large portion of the Eastern Hemisphere and leverages a custom map projection to center the image on Tokyo, Japan. In case the title wasn’t obvious enough, concentric circles around the capital of the Japanese Empire give the impression of a literal target for the bombs of the Allied Air Forces.

Aerial distances between points are noted in numerous circumstances, though the inclusion of a custom scale at the bottom of the page allowed the user to take any measurements from any point, as long as the ruler was centered on Tokyo. Helpful diagrams and instructions are also provided. Presumably, the tool was used to measure the shrinking distances between Allied bases in the Pacific after the successful invasion of Guadalcanal in 1942.

The map was designed by F.E. Manning in 1943 and published by the Special Services Division of the Army Special Forces. One of the numerous NEWSMAPS issued by the War Department over the course of the conflict, all provided biased information on the contemporary state of affairs to bolster morale and educate the troops. This example was issued on October 18, 1943, and the verso includes descriptive text and photographs of events from the week prior. Tape marks in the corners show that it was likely hung for public display.