(disputed IOTA islands)
To the north & east of Hokkaido lie two different IOTA groups that are currently administered by Russia but still claimed by Japan, which regards their seizure in the waning days of World War II to be illegal. The islands of Kunashiri & Etorofu (IOTA AS-025) form the southern end of the Kuril Island chain, which terminates just 16km from Hokkaido's coastline. The tiny Habomai Islands & Shikotan (IOTA AS-062) begin just a handful of kilometers east of Nemuro and seem close enough to swim to. Largely because of this dispute, Japan and Russia never signed a peace treaty at the end of the war and travel to any of these islands from Japan is prohibited.
Hokkaido's coastal highways are littered with protest signs against Russia's occupation.
Most were in Japanese, of course, with a few in Russian. This was the only one I found written
in English.
---------------------------------------
Several of the Habomai islands are visible from the most eastern point in Japan.
---------------------------------------
Closer look at the nearest islands, viewed from the top of an observation tower.
---------------------------------------
Back near sea level with the islands beckoning offshore
---------------------------------------
A Japanese coast guard vessel patrols back and forth across the narrow channel.
---------------------------------------
Along the beach with the Habomai islands on the horizon.
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Kunashiri Island as seen from the Notsuke peninsula.
---------------------------------------
Another view of the island farther down the coast.
---------------------------------------
Closer shot of Kunashiri from the Hokkaido coastline, fishing nets in the foreground.
The island is close enough for an inviting look at its southern beaches, just visible on the left.
---------------------------------------
Memorial arch & eternal flame await the islands' return to Japan.
