This article explores the history of conflicts between Japan and Russia, from the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905 to more recent confrontations. During World War II, Japan declared war on Russia alongside Germany, and after the war ended a dispute over Sakhalin Island lasted until 1975 when sovereignty was returned to Japan. Currently, there is an ongoing territorial dispute over four small islands known as the Northern Territories or Kuril Islands which are located near Hokkaido island off northernmost part of mainland Japan but are currently under Russian control. Despite attempts at negotiations, no resolution has yet been reached.