Kuril Islands dispute

The Kuril Islands dispute is a territorial disagreeent between Japan and Russia over the Kuril Islands. The Japanese government is asking for the restoration of Etorofu island, Habomai islands, Kunashiri island, and the Shikotan island which are under the control of Russia since 1945, after Japan lost World War Two.

The Kuril Islands with Russian names. Borders of Shimoda Treaty (1855) and Treaty of St. Petersburg (1875) shown in red. Since 1945 all islands northeast of Hokkaido have been administered by Russia.

Disputed islands in question: Habomai Islands, Shikotan, Kunashiri (Kunashir) and Etorofu (Iturup)