The Southern Kurils are a group of islands located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, forming part of the Kuril Islands chain. They are situated between Japan and Russia, specifically to the northeast of Hokkaido and the southwest of Kamchatka Peninsula. The islands include Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands. These islands are known for their rugged terrain, volcanic activity, and rich biodiversity. The Southern Kurils have been a point of territorial dispute between Japan and Russia since the end of World War II, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the islands.