While attention is riveted to Sino-Japanese relations and, lately, has increasingly focused also on Sino-Russian relations, Japan’s relations with Russia have drawn little notice. To the extent that interest has risen in 2013, it has centered largely on negotiations over the territorial dispute. The strategic dimension is neglected. This article starts with an assessment of Russian strategic thinking toward Japan, taking a close look at recent developments that international observers have largely failed to notice. It then turns to Japanese strategic thinking toward Russia, taking relations with both the United States and China into account. The conclusion points to signs that rebalancing is under way, while also emphasizing the limits of likely changes.

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