Understanding World History Through Maps Makes Economic News and International Affairs Surprisingly Clear! "Deep Reading World History Learned from Maps" to be Released on June 10

A new book, 'Deep Reading World History Learned from Maps' (written by Bin Ito), which vividly unravels the grand connections of world history starting from 'geography' such as straits, mountain ranges, and rivers, will be released on June 10 by Diamond, Inc. Through 170 original full-color maps and illustrations, this book allows you to 'deep read' world history while gaining a comprehensive view of the current global situation.

Written by Bin Ito, 'Deep Reading World History Learned from Maps' Published by Diamond, Inc.

Behind history, there was always 'geography'.

A new educational book on world history that thoroughly explains major world history themes with full-color maps and illustrations!

International affairs and economic news fill the media daily. Every time the Strait of Hormuz becomes tense, the global economy shakes violently, but why is that place so important? The 'essence of the problem' behind it remains unclear. You have knowledge of world history learned at school, but it doesn't connect with the current global situation. This book solves the frustrations of businesspeople and history fans by deciphering the accumulation of history connecting the past to the present from 'geography'.

In this book, world history is unraveled through seven themes dominated by 'geographical conditions', from key maritime chokepoints that hold the fate of the modern world, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, to the pilgrimage trade routes that supported the Crusades and the Silk Road through Afghanistan. It also sharply delves into the background of geopolitical risks currently in motion, such as the 'Arctic Sea Route', which has become a stage for a new hegemony struggle among the US, Russia, and China. It includes a total of 170 original full-color maps and illustrations that show even the depth of the sea and the undulations of mountain ranges at a glance, allowing readers to experience the history of human migration and interaction with overwhelming visuals.

The author is Bin Ito, a popular world history instructor at Yoyogi Seminar. A video of him drawing precise world maps freehand on a blackboard went viral on X (formerly Twitter), garnering significant attention as the 'Demon of Maps'. With the clarity of his famous classes that make students 'understand the essence', world history, which was often memorized as 'points' like dates and names, becomes a line connecting to the present, allowing for surprisingly three-dimensional understanding. This book cultivates the 'eye' to see through the surprising truths behind complex international affairs while immersing oneself in the depths of world history.

■ Table of Contents

Frontispiece

Introduction

Part 1 Sea Lanes – The 'Three Chokepoints' that Hold the World's Fate

Part 2 Northwest Passage – The Arctic Ocean Reshaping the World Map

Part 3 Alpine Transport Routes – Switzerland for Understanding Modern Europe and America

Part 4 Pilgrimage Trade Routes – The Origin of the Crusades and European Expansion

Part 5 Silk Road – The Destiny of Afghanistan, the 'Graveyard of Empires'

Part 6 Inland Transport Routes – Reading Another History of Southeast Asia

Part 7 Great Rivers and Resources – How the Congo Changed World History

Conclusion

■ Author Profile: Bin Ito

Born in Tokyo. World history instructor at Yoyogi Seminar.

Graduated from the University of Tsukuba, obtained a master's degree from the same graduate school, and completed coursework for a doctoral degree without obtaining a doctorate. After working as a part-time high school teacher and cram school instructor, he has been active as a lecturer at Yoyogi Seminar since 2019 in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Hokkaido. Based on his belief that 'world history cannot be understood without a sense of maps and geography', he is well-regarded for his explanations using maps and diagrams, receiving strong support from many examinees, especially those who passed Waseda and Keio universities. Many examinees are captivated by the incredibly accurate maps he draws freehand on the blackboard, earning him the nickname 'Demon of Maps'. In his classes, students can learn world history while enjoying knowledge spanning various fields such as language, thought, religion, and military affairs.

While active as a preparatory school instructor, he also sells his original teaching materials and maps on note.com, receiving praise from examinees and educators who say, 'I was made aware of perspectives I never thought of, and I am amazed at the high quality of the diagrams, which don't look original.'

His books include 'How to Read World History to Grasp the Essence of History' and 'World History of 'Decisive Battles' that Moved History' (both by Beret Publishing), 'European History as Liberal Arts for Business Elites' (PHP Institute), and he supervised 'Food that Changed World History' (Asahi Shimbun Publications).

■ 'Deep Reading World History Learned from Maps'

Author: Bin Ito

Price: 2,200 yen (tax included) Format: A5 softcover, 288 pages

Release Date: June 10, 2026 Publisher: Diamond, Inc.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4478122946

*Images and photos in the release are limited to use for reporting purposes related to this book.