A possible solution to South Kurils / Northern Territories conflict is possible without war

Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, Habomai are referred to as South Kurils in Russia part of Sakhalin oblast and as Northern Territories in Japan as part of Hokkaido prefecture.

These island were originally Japanese as per treaty of Shimoda in 1855.

In 1945 USSR was promised the Kurils in exchange for going to war with Japan.

I see a possible solution to the conflict without war. Iturup, the largest of the four, is about half the total area of the four, with the other three accounting for about half the area of the four. A possible solution is Russia keeps Iturup and Japan gets the other three back. This way, Russians can be happy they were awarded extra land for going to war with Japan and the sacrifice of their soldiers is not in vain, and at the same time Japanese can be happy they got about half of their claimed land back.

What do you think?

I highly doubt Russia is in the position to surrender any land to anyone at this moment in time. It would be very unpopular with Russian citizens. Also I am sure it would come down to what raw materials are available on those islands.

In trying to settle the ongoing dispute, the larger island with a more Russian community staying in Russian hands sounds reasonable. With not much happening on the three smaller ones, Japan looks in a better position to do something with them or respond to a Mayday call, don't really know?

In looking for some middle ground on this issue, seams like an option. It's really up to Russia and Japan to sort out. Just an independent view on initial inspection.

SPAM

a reply to: JusticeAboveAllElse

The Japanese Need more Land for their Population . Why would Russia Not hear of a Monetary Fair Offer fort those Islands , and a Treaty with Japan to Not Allow Any Military Presence there ?