This paper discusses the incessant conflict between Russia and Japan over the disputed Kuril Islands. Since 1905 and the Russo Japanese war, the perception of Japan and Russia have been of a militaristic and self interested nations. The world last year witnessed the much controversial South China Sea dispute. The conflagration between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands also becomes important part of polemical debates as both are powers in their respective horizons. While Russia is a country of vast last mass, rich natural resources particularly natural gas, ahead of the USA in nuclear weapons, Japan on the other hand is a tiny territory, with negligible natural resources, prone to volcanic eruptions, is a nuclear weapons free state but only blessed with a strong human resource which is ageing fast. This paper talks in length about the nature and origin of the dispute over the Kuril islands and also tries to give some plausible solutions to amicably resolve the issue. The paper further tracks the recent development in terms of initiative by the parties concerned to resolve the issue. If the dispute is settled peacefully it can set an example for many nations that are facing border disputes. Also, many precious lives that are affected by this process can lead a normal life.

KEYWORDS: Russia, Japan, Realism, Kuril Islands