千島列島 (Kuril Islands) is a chain of islands located between the northeastern coast of Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. The archipelago consists of about 56 islands and stretches approximately 1,300 kilometers. The islands are known for their volcanic activity and diverse ecosystems, including unique flora and fauna. The Kuril Islands have been a point of territorial dispute between Japan and Russia since the end of World War II. Currently, the southernmost islands are administered by Russia, while Japan claims them as part of its territory. This dispute affects diplomatic relations between the two countries.