Still, since the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan's reliance on Russian energy supplies, particularly liquified natural gas, has grown significantly.
As Russia's geopolitical focus pivots eastward, Moscow is also eager for outside investment and expertise to develop its vast, resource-rich but largely unpopulated Siberian and far eastern regions. Japan is a logical go-to place for the capital and technology that Russia needs.
Japan might also be keen to distract Russia from its burgeoning partnership with China, with which Tokyo has increasingly tense relations, and introduce a bit more balance in fast-changing Asia Pacific.
Click on the following to read what agreements have been made: Japan and Russia want to finally end World War II, agree it is 'abnormal' not to - CSMonitor.com
