Russia occupied the Northern 4 Islands of Japan after WW2, today the 2 countries still have problem on this issue. Japans PM just checked the 4 islands 2 weeks ago on boat, and got warned by Russia.

Will japan ever get her occupied lands back?

Any info how Russia took these islands away from Japan?

They were part of the Treaty. And no I don't think Russia will cede them.

Do you have any more info about those 4 islands?

Populations, how large are they, any industry etc..???

Originally Posted by 03USMC

They were part of the Treaty. And no I don't think Russia will cede them.

If it is already treatied then it is done. Then why the japans PM still goes around the islands on boat to check it, even with her boss USA on the back, japan can do nothing to take it back, although obviously japan wants the islands back.

I think he's refering to the Shaklins.

see this map:



Disputes - international:
The sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands", occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities.

News:
Koizumi may inspect Russian-held islands off Hokkaido
NOTE: he already done it.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday he is considering inspecting the Russian-held islands off Hokkaido from a boat.

"I'm considering (inspecting the islands)," Koizumi told reporters Wednesday. However, he categorically denied intending to land on any of the four islands that have been occupied by the defunct Soviet Union and then Russia since Japan's defeat in World War II.

Even though Koizumi stopped short of clarifying the schedule of his inspection, sources at the prime minister's secretariat said he is likely to inspect the islands from a Japan Coast Guard patrol boat in early September.

He would be the third prime minister to inspect the so-called Northern Territories. Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki and Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori viewed the islands from a helicopter in September 1981 and April 2001, respectively.

Koizumi is also studying a plan to hold talks with former residents of the four islands -- Kunashiri, Etorofu, Habomai and Shikotan.

Former ruling Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Taku Yamasaki, a close aide to Koizumi, has told his allies that the prime minister is enthusiastic about visiting the Northern Territories. (Mainichi Shimbun, Japan, Aug. 25, 2004)

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/archi...dm008000c.html

Japan PM inspecting Russian Occupied 4 Islands:



On September 2, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (right) inspects four northern islands that are under territorial dispute with Russia. As a prime minister for two consecutive terms, this is his third inspection, but it is different from his former inspections which were via airplane as this one was on a coast guard inspection boat in close range. This seems to be an earnest emphasis on the current situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Japan next year.

http://english.donga.com/srv/service...=2004090366398

Well, perhaps its naive, but shouldn't it be up to the people living there to decide which nation they wish to be a part of, if both have legitimate claim to them?

Originally Posted by godofthunder9010

Well, perhaps its naive, but shouldn't it be up to the people living there to decide which nation they wish to be a part of, if both have legitimate claim to them?

You think there live many people? I bet more penguins are living there

So penguins got no rights? Let the penguins decide for themselves!! Freedom!!

Originally Posted by FlyingFrog

You think there live many people? I bet more penguins are living there

So it must be done. Let the penguins decide!