Description

The map depicts Operation Barbarossa, which commenced on June 22, 1941, when over 3.8 million Axis troops invaded the western Soviet Union along a 2,900-kilometer front. It was likely created in late September 1941, as it already shows the Siege of Leningrad, which began on September 8, and the capture of Kyiv, which fell on September 19. At this time, Army Group Centre (Heeresgruppe Mitte) remains positioned between Smolensk and Moscow.

In addition to geographical features, the map marks the locations of oil refineries, ironworks, coal mines, heavy industry, military ports, fortifications, and military bases. Images on the sides depict battle scenes from both the German and Soviet perspectives.

On the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Japan was closely monitoring events in Europe, reflecting its complicated relationship with the Soviet Union and the Axis powers. The map was published by Mainichi Shimbun (大阪毎日新聞), which translates to “Daily Newspaper,” a major publishing company based in Osaka. The note on the map stating “not for sale” indicates that it was issued as an appendix to a newspaper.