Despite Japan's "new approach" to relations, Russia's position on the disputed islands has hardened.

Japan's prime minister isn't nationalistic so much as realistic.

The Japanese PM’s approach to Russia is looking increasingly risky.

Don’t expect major breakthroughs anytime soon, but recent summits have moved the relationship forward.

A recent summit had little to offer on a thorny territorial dispute, but added North Korea to the agenda.

The two leaders take another step towards the conclusion of a peace treaty.

In this diplomatic sparring match, there was only one winner.

The recent Russia-Japan summit could be best described as embarrassment for Abe and a major coup for Putin.

A mutually beneficial 'balance of power' based on territorial and security arrangements remains beyond reach.

Siberian energy deals are set to warm Japan-Russia ties while the peace treaty is put on ice.

Japan is hoping for a breakthrough on a long-standing territorial dispute. That's not likely to happen.

Japan denies that any talks for joint administration of the dispute island chain are underway with Russia.

By warming up to Moscow, is Shinzo Abe playing right into Putin's hands?

Abe's embrace of Russia marks a radical shift from previous Japanese policy.

Abe is committing a lot of diplomatic (and literal) capital to Japan-Russia relations. What will he get in return?

Japan's outreach to Russia is risky, as it could end up alienating the United States.