What is the best way to resolve the territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over the four islands off Hokkaido?

I think the fishes living in waters around the islands are safer with the Russians! If the Japanese take over the islands, you will see these fishes being swallowed by Japanese talents on TV everyday.: -)

leave it like it is

Medvedev ( on the west coast of Kunashiri looking out at the ocean ): Hey, what's that land mass out there?

Local: That's Hokkaido, Japan, sir.

Medvedev: Oh.

@ Triumvere: Exactly ! Paper, rock, scissors...

Have all Russians take a good look at a map of the area and then perhaps there will be enough Russians ashamed enough to put pressure on their government to return the islands.

I am just surprised to see that U.S. is not going to defend japan when Japan is having disput with Russia, but we are sending troops to Japan when Japan and China are having the same kind of disput.....WDF?!

Fighting for an Island Russia (off the coast of Hokkaido) so close or fight for an island that is China ( way off the coast of Kyushu ) soooooo far away from Japan. I think Japan should give the island back to China and make negotiations (MONEY) plus a fleet of Toyota's,Land Cruisers & Land Rovers with Russia. Because nobody will give up anything for free !!!!

bicultural at 02:42 PM JST - 4th November

Agree with Mareo, but then what does whiny China get?

The Xisha Islands (AKA Paracel islands).

All out war! Just kidding.... ah just share them, and the oil underneith the ocean in that area.

Agree with Mareo, but then what does whiny China get?

Create a new country made up of the 4 islands.

Neither Japan nor Russia can claim the islands. Japan has lost their rights to Kuril islands when they signed the Declaration in 1951, however Russia didn't sign the declaration in 1956 which would allow them to claim those islands. Therefore, these islands should be neutral territory.

That said, past violations of human rights should not be repeated. There are people living on those islands who have the rights to the property which should be respected by all parties.

They tried that take two islands each a few years back. Japan thought they had a deal then Russia renegged. How many times have Japanese PMs brought up the subject in talks with Russian presidents (or old Soviet PMs) and they get told "there is no territorial issue, the islands are Russian".Really nothing can be done as long as Russia refuses to address the issue.

Are you kidding me? How can the first post not be "Janken'?!

Russia has in the past suggested that it might agree a deal to divide the islands, with two being kept by each side, a stance Japan has rejected. This might be the only solution for Japan.

Japan should act like China, go hysterical, stop exporting to Russia,hold anti-Russia demonstrations, boycott Russian restaurants, Vodka and Russian prostitutes.

China-Russia tie-up to test DPJ government is an interesting gambit, as Russia itself has been struggling with the Russian Far-East issue, a long source of Russian insecurity caused by massive number of Chinese workers “invasion” as the native Russians “escape” to western parts. On the surface, the Chinese workers provide the work-force necessary to develop and maintain RFE, but the history tells a different story: Russia fears Chinese take-over of the entire Russian east coast, which China feels Russia stole from them. The issue is more complex as there are still more territories Russia took from China when China was a helpless nation. China is being overtly coy with the Russians.

There would have to be a compromise from both sides. The Russians have to understand that Japanese were displace from their homes. No solution will work unless it allows them to return home. Perhaps 2 islands returned to Japan with the other 2 islands under some sort of joint control. The Japanese who want to return home will be allowed to do this. Japan can build up the infrastructure for all to have a better life. On a small scale this will allow Japanese and Russians to interact and perhaps realize that the others are not the demons portrayed by years of distrust. Once this happens the area will revert once again to just another pair of small islands.

Donkusai beat me to it.

Janken.

Guys, guys, guys. Have you NOT read history. Might makes Right. We are what? Wasting all of this money on the SDF for them to drink beer? NO....send in the troops. America will have to come in....treaties are treaties and to finish cleaning up the mess. I mean after all...think of ALL of those resources falling / being in enemy hands. Can't have THAT. Maybe just buying them back with some kind of loan might be easier, come to think of it? Money talks! But I like societymike's idea, but have Ishikawa, Tokyo Governor, be one of the survivors.

Rock, paper, scissors, of course! It solves everything!

First, send in AKB48 to hold a 10hr telethon/dance-off/karaoke special to raise awareness. Then send in a bunch of talents and actors to sample dishes and food made in the area. Next, send 4 comedians in to live on the islands "survivor" style requiring them to live off the land, but are allowed microwaves and lighters. Finally, send Exile and SMAP to host a live concert and write songs about the beautiful islands. This will surely win the hearts and minds of the people and make everyone finally believe the islands truly belong to the people of Japan.

jeez.. i've been here too long

give them to China...

The best way to resolve the dispute is for both parties to get what they want. Any negotiated settlement would be a good one.

a history lesson? I say a good classic street fight but given these two, you are bound to get a knife in the back regardless.

Either redo WW2 for the Pacific theater or 6-way (Japan, Russia, PRC, Taiwan, North Korea and south Korea) gaint robots fight. Winner takes all.

A bar contest to see who can drink more sake or vodka and not get violent ^^

How about the damn diplomats play Russian Roulette for everything? Russia and China can go first, HA!!

I agree with Mareo2 and add, after its been resolved, all parties shut up about it.

Japan should capitulate, just like she did in August 1945, and September 2010.

Four islets, take two each.

To easy, Ro Sham Bo for it

Agree with mareo2!

Well said Mareo2.

Russia keep the Kurile, Japan Keep the Senkaku, South Korea keep Dokdo. Is called "status quo", people just need to get over and stop rocking the boat.