This book examines the territorial disputes souring relations between Japan and its neighbours: Russia, South Korea and China. It combines an empirical study with advancements in comparative research to understand the Cold War and post-Cold War border issues, particularly the Northern Territories/South Kurils dispute with Russia; Takeshima/Dokto with Korea; and Senkaku/Diaoyu with China and Taiwan. It offers practical suggestions to enable these disputes to be separated from arguments over their history and resolved on the basis of mutual advantage for those affected by them. It also provides the framework in which to seek the resolution of other territorial issues worldwide.

Introduction 1. Myths and Realities of Japan's Borderlands 2. Territorial Issues: Variables within the US-Japan Security Alliance 3. Negotiations over Territory: Lessons and Solutions 4. The Northern Territories Issue: Behind the Myths 5. "Takeshima - Return Our Seas and Island": A Futile Slogan 6. The Senkakus: Seabirds and "Life Spheres" 7. Conclusion

Akihiro Iwashita is Professor in the Slavic and Eurasian Research Centre at Hokkaido University, Japan.