Sakhalin–Hokkaido Tunnel

In comparison, the completed 53.85 km (33.46 mi) Seikan Tunnel links the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.

As well as the great cost and engineering difficulty, there may be political problems, particularly in regard to the Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan.

[3][4] Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed a desire to resolve the longstanding dispute that has prevented Japan and Russia from finalising a peace agreement since World War II.

Ivanov did not specify a timeline for constructing a potential tunnel to Sakhalin, suggesting that inquiries on the matter be directed to the Ministry of Transport.

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's first term in office, the Kremlin greatly intensified its outreach to Japan, the world's third biggest economy.

Putin reignited speculation about the long-rumored project in 2017, when he announced that a land link between Russia and Japan would have “planetary” significance.

[6] In July 2018, Russia's president Vladimir Putin commissioned an analysis of a proposal to build a bridge to Sakhalin Island.