It’s ambitious to expect that both sides will come to a definitive compromise and put an end to the territorial dispute.

The economy and concerns over North Korea will bring Russia and Japan closer — not any desire to resolve future of the Kuril Islands.

Despite territorial disputes and an unresolved peace treaty, more unites Russia and Japan than divides.

President Vladimir Putin will soon make an official visit to Japan — his first in the last 10 years. Observers are hopeful that the visit will produce...