Kuril Islands Dispute
The border contestation between the Russian Federation and Japan over the Kuril Islands.
So, What's the Issue?
The current border contestation between Japan and the Russian federation concerns the rightful ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islets. These four islands are the southernmost part of the Kuril Island Chain, which stretches northeast from Hokkaido, Japan to Kamchatka, Russia.
The issue over who retains sovereignty over these four islands stems from the events that transpired during World War II. In 1945, the U.S.S.R. declared war against Japan, and occupied the entirety of the Kuril Island chain.
Today, the Russian Federation still maintains sovereignty over this territory. Japan continues to contest the legitimacy of Russian sovereignty over the four, previously noted, southernmost islands.
Both Japan and Russia invoke their respective historical justifications as to why they have legitimate sovereignty over the four islands. The map below provides a short explanation of how the borders of these islands have been demarcated throughout history.
Let's Check Out Some History!
This interactive map will walk you through an objective overview of the Kuril Islands' history, including transfers in territory and various border demarcations.
Hover over the numbers and click "read more" to learn about what happened!
Since Russia's annexation of the Kuril's in World War II, Japan and Russia have continued to disagree over who holds legitimate sovereignty over Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islets. Click through the slide show below to witness the back and forth arguments between Japan (as represented by Rachel) and Russia (as represented by Lauren)!
Now that you know both sides of the story, who do you think should win this tug-o-war?
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