Russia and Japan agree on the need to improve ties, but major differences remain.

A deal, based on the 1956 Declaration, is closer than it has been in decades.

Accepting Putin's offer would go against long-standing Japanese position on the territorial dispute.

Japan's prime minister may finally have to give up hope of making progress on a long-standing territorial dispute.

How long can Japan keep up its balancing act between Russia and the West?

Despite Shinzo Abe's optimism, analysts predict more of the same in Japan-Russia relations this year.

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

Furthermore, the Russian president does not rule out a U.S. troop presence on the disputed islands if controlled by Japan.

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.

Russia’s defense minister intends to station a new Russian army division on the disputed Kuril Islands in 2017.

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

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

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

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