Shikotan is one of the larger Kuril Islands, which belong to Russia. This Island however is is occupied by Japan. Shikotan isn’t really big. 2100 people live on 250.16km² . So, we can’t really call it a hotspot, but aside of breathtaking nature it also offers something very special: tanks.
The so called “tank hill” mountain really lives up to its name. The Soviets used to deploy many soldiers here during the Cold War because it was near to Japan and in order to be perfectly prepared for an attack by the Japanese. Even empty barracks, fortifications as well as dugouts and other things still exist. However, nature is slowly taking over this area. The Cold War ended; Japan hasn’t been a threat for a long time and this is why everything was abandoned. Tanks are rusting away; barracks are moldering.
The weirdest thing is that even though the tanks are really old, they could still be used thanks to their sturdy construction. At least people suppose that. The cannons are still facing Japan and wait for a conflict, which will hopefully never happen.
Copyright and Source: http://englishrussia.com/2015/01/14/abandoned-soviet-tanks-on-shikotan-island-next-to-japan/ (via http://vk.com/club48283196 )
