Chishima Islands dispute facts for kids

The Chishima Islands dispute is a disagreement between Japan and Russia over who owns a group of islands. These islands are known as the Chishima Islands in Japanese (千島列島) and the Kuril Islands in Russian. Japan's government wants four of these islands back: Etorofuto Island, the Habomai Islands, Kunashir Island, and Shikotan Island. These islands are currently controlled by Russia.

What are the Chishima Islands?

The Chishima Islands are a long chain of islands that stretch from the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido all the way to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. There are about 56 islands and many smaller rocks in this chain. They are located in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Why are these islands important?

These islands are important for several reasons. They are rich in natural resources, like fish and minerals. Their location is also very strategic, meaning they are in a good spot for military and shipping routes. For example, the islands provide a pathway for Russian ships to access the Pacific Ocean.

A Look at History: How the Dispute Started

The history of who owns the Chishima Islands is quite long and complicated. Both Japan and Russia have explored and claimed parts of these islands over many centuries.

Early claims and treaties

In the 18th and 19th centuries, both Japanese and Russian explorers visited the islands. To avoid conflict, Japan and Russia signed treaties to decide who owned which islands.

• In 1855, the Treaty of Shimoda was signed. This treaty said that Japan owned the islands south of Urup Island, and Russia owned the islands to the north. It also stated that Sakhalin Island would be shared.
• Later, in 1875, the Treaty of Saint Petersburg changed things. Japan gave up its claim to Sakhalin Island entirely. In return, Russia gave all the Chishima Islands to Japan. So, by 1875, all the Chishima Islands were officially part of Japan.

What happened after World War II?

The biggest change happened at the end of World War II in 1945.

• In the final days of the war, the Soviet Union (which Russia was a part of) declared war on Japan. Soviet forces then took control of all the Chishima Islands.
• After Japan surrendered, the San Francisco Peace Treaty was signed in 1951. This treaty stated that Japan gave up all its rights to the Chishima Islands. However, the treaty did not clearly say who the islands would belong to next. Japan argues that the four islands it wants back (Etorofu, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai) were not part of the "Chishima Islands" mentioned in the treaty, but rather part of Japan's own territory.

What is Japan asking for?

Japan is asking for the return of the four southernmost islands:

• Etorofu Island (Iturup in Russian)
• Kunashir Island (Kunashir in Russian)
• Shikotan Island
• Habomai Islands (a small group of islands)

Japan calls these four islands the "Northern Territories." They are the closest to Japan's main islands. Japan believes these islands have always been part of its territory and were not part of the Chishima Islands that Japan gave up after World War II.

What is Russia's view?

Russia believes that all the Chishima Islands, including the four Japan wants, became part of the Soviet Union (and now Russia) legally after World War II. Russia says that its control over the islands is a result of the war and international agreements. Russia considers the islands to be an important part of its own territory.

What's happening now?

Even today, Japan and Russia are still talking about this issue. They have held many meetings over the years to try and find a solution. Because of this disagreement, Japan and Russia have not signed a formal peace treaty to officially end World War II between them. This means that, technically, they are still in a state of war, even though there is no fighting. Both countries want to improve their relationship, but the island dispute remains a major challenge.

Why is this dispute still going on?

The dispute continues because both countries have strong historical and legal arguments for their claims.

• Historical claims: Both sides point to different historical events and treaties to support their ownership.
• National pride: For both Japan and Russia, the islands are a matter of national pride and sovereignty. Giving them up would be seen as a loss.
• Strategic importance: The islands are valuable for their resources and their military location.

Finding a solution that satisfies both Japan and Russia is very difficult, which is why the dispute has lasted for so long.