Etorofu Island which is the largest of the four in dispute is of some historical significance to the Japanese because it was at Etorofu that the Imperial navy assembled to form the task force that attacked Pearl Harbour. One has to wonder if this is recorded in Japanese history books. Probably not. I am almost in sympathy (not really) with the Japanese spin doctors who will be given the task of saving face when the "locum tenens" declare they are staying put.
Kapitan M:
Non partisan on the surface but I doubt if dismissing what happen by adopting the Japanese equivalent of an Americanised jingle is their real sentiment.
NZLearDriver:
Latest reports have much Russian building activity taking place on the islands. Regards
Prince of Dzun