Final answer:
The Ainu are a minority group in Japan and the Kuril and Sakhalin Islands, known for their distinct culture and history. They have faced discrimination and remain affected by the unresolved territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over these regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a minority group in Japan and in the Kuril and Sakhalin Islands (Russia) often refers to the Ainu people. Historically, the Ainu are an indigenous group native to these regions, recognized for their distinct cultural and linguistic characteristics that set them apart from the majority Japanese population. They have experienced various forms of discrimination and unequal treatment over the years.
The Sakhalin Islands issue is a matter of international contention, as the islands were never returned to Japan after World War II. Despite negotiations and offers made by Japan, the Kuril Island chain, which includes parts of the Sakhalin Islands, continues to be controlled by Russia. This geopolitical situation does not necessarily reflect the status of any minority groups there, but it does add a layer of complexity to the lives of people like the Ainu living in these disputed territories.